Category: Nevin Manimala

Am J Reprod Immunol. 2025 Aug;94(2):e70143. doi: 10.1111/aji.70143.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: SARS-CoV-2 infection affects various sperm quality parameters. This study examines the impact of COVID-19 infection on sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF).

METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed across four databases for studies published between January 1, 2019, and January 1, 2025. The inclusion criteria focused on studies evaluating sperm DNA fragmentation in healthy men infected with the virus. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). A meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects model based on the tests employed in the studies to measure SDF. Data were reported as weighted mean differences (WMD) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Out of 105 identified citations, seven articles were included in this analysis. The NOS results indicated that all studies were of high quality. Subgroup analysis revealed that all testing methods, including TUNEL, flow cytometry, and the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test, demonstrated high heterogeneity, with the lowest heterogeneity found in the TUNEL test.

RESULTS: The pooled analysis indicated a statistically significant increase in SDF (random effects model, WMD = 12.558, 95% CI: 4.482 to 20.635, I² = 99%, Z = 3.05, p < 0.0001). This meta-analysis suggests a statistically significant reduction in sperm DNA integrity 2-3 months following COVID-19 infection.

CONCLUSION: However, caution is warranted when interpreting these results due to the high heterogeneity, which may affect the outcomes. A thorough analysis considering participant characteristics and infection status is recommended.

PMID:40828459 | DOI:10.1111/aji.70143

J Echocardiogr. 2025 Aug 19. doi: 10.1007/s12574-025-00704-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There are few studies reporting the prognostic value of three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE)-derived right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

METHODS: 120 ICM and 107 DCM patients who underwent 3DE were retrospectively selected and analyzed using 3DE speckle tracking software. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiac events, including cardiac death, heart failure hospitalization, myocardial infarction, or ventricular tachyarrhythmia.

RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 24.3 and 53.6 months, 45 patients in ICM and 39 patients in DCM, respectively, reached the primary endpoint. Univariate analysis showed that RVEF was statistically significantly associated with cardiac events in both groups [ICM, hazard ratio (HR): 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89-0.95; DCM, HR: 0.90, 95% CI 0.86-0.93, respectively]. In multivariable analysis, RVEF (HR: 0.89-0.92, p < 0.001) was also statistically significantly associated with cardiac events in both ICM and DCM, even after adjustment for clinical factors, left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic parameters, or RV systolic parameters. Kaplan-Meier curves, divided into four groups by RVEF ≥ 45% and < 45% and E/e’ ≥ 14 and < 14, showed significant risk stratification for both ICM (p = 0.0068) and DCM (p < 0.0001). RVEF had incremental prognostic value over age, E/e’, and conventional RV systolic parameters, in both ICM and DCM.

CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the independent and incremental prognostic value of RVEF over conventional echocardiographic parameters in patients with ICM and DCM and allows detailed risk stratification of cardiac events by RVEF and E/e’.

PMID:40828458 | DOI:10.1007/s12574-025-00704-z

CVIR Endovasc. 2025 Aug 19;8(1):67. doi: 10.1186/s42155-025-00587-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) thrombosis remains a critical complication in hemodialysis (HD) patients, often leading to treatment delays and requiring urgent intervention. While endovascular therapy (EVT) is commonly employed, less invasive strategies such as percutaneous thrombolytic therapy are gaining attention due to their potential to restore patency and avoid more complex procedures. This study assessed the effectiveness of percutaneous thrombolytic therapy in acute AVF thrombosis and explored key predictors associated with the need for subsequent endovascular intervention.

METHODS: This retrospective study included 42 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous thrombolytic therapy using low-dose alteplase (3-5 mg). Technical and clinical success, complication rates, and the need for additional EVT were assessed. Statistical analyses including logistic regression and ROC analysis were used to determine independent predictors for EVT.

RESULTS: The clinical success rate was 97.6%, with 69% of patients achieving AVF patency without EVT. Symptom duration emerged as the strongest predictor for EVT; patients with symptoms > 2.5 days had significantly higher EVT rates (p = 0.01). Each additional day of symptoms increased the odds of requiring EVT by 88.5% (OR = 1.885, p = 0.012). Female patients were also more likely to require EVT than males (p = 0.005). No significant associations were found for age, BMI, or fistula characteristics.

CONCLUSION: Percutaneous thrombolytic therapy is a highly effective and minimally invasive option for acute AVF thrombosis. Symptom duration > 2.5 days is a key threshold predicting the need for EVT, highlighting the critical importance of early intervention. These findings may inform clinical decision-making and optimize access salvage strategies in dialysis patients.

PMID:40828451 | DOI:10.1186/s42155-025-00587-2

Acta Parasitol. 2025 Aug 19;70(5):186. doi: 10.1007/s11686-025-01122-y.

ABSTRACT

Babesia gibsoni infection in dogs causes hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and systemic inflammation, with many cases progressing to chronic or relapsing forms due to persistent parasitemia and oxidative stress. This study evaluated the clinical, hematobiochemical, and oxidative changes associated with B. gibsoni infection and assessed the therapeutic benefit of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as an adjunct to triple therapy. Nineteen dogs confirmed positive for B. gibsoni via blood smear and PCR were identified; however, only twelve Labrador Retrievers of similar age (2-3 years) were enrolled for treatment to minimize variability in breed and age. The remaining dogs were excluded due to different breeds or incomplete treatment. Six healthy controls were also included. Infected animals exhibited significant alterations in leukocyte count, erythrocyte indices, platelet count, and urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPC) compared to healthy controls, indicating systemic inflammation and renal involvement. Twelve infected dogs were randomly assigned to two groups: Group I received the triple therapy (doxycycline, clindamycin, metronidazole), while Group II received the same treatment with oral NAC (70 mg/kg for 5 days). Clinical, hematological, biochemical, and oxidative stress parameters were reassessed on Day 21. Both groups showed improvement post-treatment; however, Group II demonstrated greater recovery, including higher RBC counts, hemoglobin levels, platelet counts, and serum antioxidant capacity, along with reduced bilirubin and UPC levels. Mann-Whitney U test on Day 21 revealed significant improvements in serum antioxidant activity and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in Group II (p < 0.05). Although other parameters did not reach statistical significance, several showed favorable trends toward improvement in the NAC group. These findings suggest that NAC supplementation enhances hematological recovery, reduces oxidative stress, and supports renal function in dogs with babesiosis. Given its favorable impact, NAC may serve as a valuable adjunct in managing canine babesiosis, particularly in cases with suspected or confirmed oxidative injury. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended.

PMID:40828450 | DOI:10.1007/s11686-025-01122-y

Infection. 2025 Aug 19. doi: 10.1007/s15010-025-02627-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 continuously causes severe disease conditions and significant mortality. We evaluate whether easily accessible biomarkers can improve risk prediction of severe disease outcomes.

METHODS: Our study analysed 426 COVID-19 patients collected by German CAPNETZ and PROGRESS study groups between 2020 and 2021. Troponin T high-sensitive (TnT-hs), procalcitonin (PCT), N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide, angiopoietin-2, copeptin, endothelin-1 (ET-1) and lipocalin-2 were measured at enrolment and related to 28d mortality/ICU admission endpoint. Logistic and relaxed LASSO regression were used to evaluate the added value of biomarkers compared to the CRB-65 score and to develop a combined risk prediction model for our endpoint.

RESULTS: Of the 426 COVID-19 patients, 64 (15%) reached the endpoint. Among individual biomarkers, ET-1 showed the highest predictive performance (AUC = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.70-0.82). CRB-65 alone had an AUC of 0.63 (95% CI: 0.56-0.70). Our machine learning method identified CRB-65 + ET-1 to be optimal for prediction performance and model sparsity (AUC = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.71-0.83). Decision curve analysis demonstrated its greater net benefit over CRB-65 across large range of risk thresholds. The generalizability of our non-COVID CAP model (CRB-65 + TnT-hs + PCT) to COVID-19 patients was also assessed, yielding an AUC of 0.67 (95% CI: 0.60-0.74) for our primary endpoint. For 28d mortality alone as endpoint, it performed remarkably well (AUC = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.85-0.95).

CONCLUSION: Combining the already established clinical CRB-65 score with ET-1 significantly improves risk prediction of intensive care requirement or death within 28 days in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

PMID:40828447 | DOI:10.1007/s15010-025-02627-4

Odontology. 2025 Aug 19. doi: 10.1007/s10266-025-01175-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of rheumatoid arthritis on the inflammatory and resorptive process of periapical lesions in an animal model. Forty Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 10): control (C), apical periodontitis (AP), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and AP + RA. RA was induced by two injections into the caudal subcutaneous tissue containing 50 µL volume of methylated bovine albumin (Met-BSA, 40 mg/mL) and 5% glucose emulsified with CFA/complete Freund’s adjuvant (Mycobacterium sp), and a third intra-articular injection in the right knee with half of the same solution. The right knee width was measured throughout the experimental period. AP was induced by pulp exposure of the right upper and lower first and second molars. After 30 days, the animals were euthanized, and the joints were processed for descriptive analysis using hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. The hemi-mandibles were also removed and the inflammatory infiltrate was analyzed by H&E and immunohistochemistry for IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, and the resorptive process by RANKL, OPG, TRAP, and micro-CT analysis. Statistical tests were applied (p < 0.05). The periapical lesions of the AP + RA group exhibited a more intense inflammatory infiltrate and a more exacerbated immune profile for IL-17 and TNF-α compared to the AP group (p < 0.05). Micro-CT analysis revealed larger lesions in the AP + RA group and greater immunostaining for RANKL and TRAP compared to the AP group (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that RA exacerbates periapical inflammation and bone resorption of AP, increasing the levels of IL-17, TNF-α, TRAP, and RANKL.

PMID:40828445 | DOI:10.1007/s10266-025-01175-5

Neurosurg Rev. 2025 Aug 19;48(1):609. doi: 10.1007/s10143-025-03777-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The etiology of hemifacial spasm (HFS) remains controversial, with both peripheral and central mechanisms proposed. This study investigates the glabella tap reflex in HFS patients, exploring its relationship with facial nucleus hyperexcitability to assess its potential as a clinical marker of central pathophysiological fluctuations.

METHODS: We prospectively enrolled a consecutive cohort of 69 patients with drug-refractory HFS who underwent microvascular decompression (MVD). Preoperative facial motor responses, including glabella tap-induced lateral spread and blink reflex, were assessed and recorded using standardized high-definition video. The latencies of these responses were compared using the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test, and the correlation was assessed using Spearman analysis.

RESULTS: Mechanical tapping of the unilateral glabella elicited simultaneous contraction of the orbicularis oculi and orbicularis oris muscles and simple blink reflex in HFS patients. No statistically significant difference was found between the latencies (p = 0.873). However, Spearman analysis revealed a moderate, statistically significant positive correlation between these two latencies (r = 0.563, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: The characteristics of the glabella tap reflex observed in HFS patients, particularly the variability in its manifestation, appear to reflect fluctuations in facial motor nucleus hyperexcitability. This reflex may serve as a readily accessible clinical marker for these dynamic central excitability states and potentially provide insights into pathways reconciling peripheral and central theories of HFS pathogenesis.

PMID:40828430 | DOI:10.1007/s10143-025-03777-7

Acta Parasitol. 2025 Aug 19;70(5):185. doi: 10.1007/s11686-025-01123-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne infectious disease caused by intracellular protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can influence the progress and outcome of the disease. This study aimed to investigate the expression levels of miR-155, miR-133a, and miR-146b in the serum of acute and chronic forms of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Iran.

METHODS: Samples were collected from 30 clinical cases of CL in Golestan province, who suffered from either acute or chronic forms of the disease, including 15 for each. Leishmania species were identified using PCR (kDNA gene). Total RNA was extracted from serum samples, complementary DNA (cDNA) was synthesized based on the loop technique, and the expression levels of miRNAs (miR-155, miR-133a, and miR-146b) were determined through quantitative real-time PCR analysis.

RESULTS: Conventional PCR on kDNA confirmed the presence of L. major in 30 patients. Healing after one course of treatment and no response to treatment were considered as acute and chronic forms, respectively. Although there were no statistically significant changes, the expression of miR-133a and miR-155 was upregulated in patients with acute CL compared to those with chronic form, while miR-146b was downregulated in patients with acute CL.

CONCLUSIONS: In the current study, the expression changes of miR-155, miR-146b, and miR-133a in acute patients was compared to those patients with chronic CL. Although it was not significant, alterations in the expression levels of miRNAs were observed between acute and chronic forms of CL suggesting different pathogenesis of clinical forms.

PMID:40828401 | DOI:10.1007/s11686-025-01123-x

Abdom Radiol (NY). 2025 Aug 19. doi: 10.1007/s00261-025-05173-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the value of enhanced T1 mapping MR imaging in assessing the depth of myometrial invasion (MI) and in detecting DNA mismatch repair (MMR) status in endometrial cancer (EC) as a non-invasive imaging biomarker.

METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 46 patients with pathologically confirmed EC who underwent pelvic MRI and surgery within two weeks. Each patient underwent multiparametric MRI including T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging (DCE), native T1 mapping and enhanced T1 mapping. Four radiologists (two junior, two senior) independently assessed MI depth of EC using two combinations: T2WI + DWI + DCE and T2WI + DWI + enhanced T1 mapping. Histopathology served as the reference standard. MMR status was determined by immunohistochemistry. Quantitative analysis of native T1, enhanced T1, and Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values was performed, and inter-reader agreement and diagnostic performance were compared. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was performed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS: The diagnostic accuracy of T2WI + DWI + enhanced T1 mapping for assessing MI was higher than that of T2WI + DWI + DCE across all readers, especially among junior radiologists, though differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Inter-reader agreement improved with enhanced T1 mapping, particularly for junior readers (κ = 0.898 vs. κ = 0.538). Native T1 values were significantly higher in the proficient MMR group compared to the deficient MMR group (1655.5 ± 131.9 ms vs. 1549.1 ± 125.9 ms, P = 0.047). ROC analysis yielded an Area under the curve (AUC) of 0.729 for differentiating deficient MMR from proficient MMR, with a sensitivity of 87.0% and specificity of 67.7% at a cutoff of 1524.7 ms.

CONCLUSION: Enhanced T1 mapping, when incorporated into routine MR protocols, offers diagnostic performance comparable to DCE for evaluating myometrial invasion in endometrial cancer and significantly improves inter-reader agreement. Native T1 values show promise as a non-invasive biomarker for detecting MMR status in EC.

PMID:40828400 | DOI:10.1007/s00261-025-05173-7

Mol Ecol Resour. 2025 Aug 19:e70034. doi: 10.1111/1755-0998.70034. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Sex determination is the establishment of an organism’s sex, usually by the inheritance at the fertilisation of certain genes present in sex chromosomes. However, this process is not universal, and indeed, sex might be determined through different factors, including genetic, environmental, behavioural, physiological or the interplay among them. Identification of the sex determination system, sex chromosomes and sex-linked markers is essential for understanding the genetics of sex determination in non-model organisms, which in turn can be used for several applications such as conservation and management. In fish, sex determination is a very flexible process and varies considerably among genera and families; even within individuals, it is subjected to modification by external factors. Here we report the discovery of the sex determination system, sex-linked loci and a putative sex chromosome for the Chilean jack mackerel Trachurus murphyi. Using a genome-wide approach, we identified 20 high-confidence sex-linked loci and found that females are heterogametic while males are homogametic, thus supporting a ZZ/ZW sex-determination system. All high-confidence sex-linked loci appear gametologous loci and are mapped in chromosome 13 of T. trachurus, a closely related species of T. murphyi. The female-to-male depth ratio analysis showed that most loci with a ratio close to 0.5 are located on this chromosome. Additionally, we generated a small GTseq panel that includes 13 loci supporting sex identification in individuals. The sexually identified chromosome has a strong effect on the population genetics analyses revealed by principal component analyses and F_ST statistics. Our results indicate that T. murphyi shows a ZW sex-determination system and that chromosome 13 might be a sex chromosome, likely a Z chromosome. Altogether, our results provide new insights into sex determination systems in T. murphyi and T. trachurus and also constitute a new genomic resource for future applications in the conservation and management of these two economically relevant jack mackerel species.

PMID:40827498 | DOI:10.1111/1755-0998.70034