Category: Nevin Manimala

Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue. 2024 Sep;30(9):809-812.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of sertraline hydrochloride combined with compound chamomile lidocaine gel in the treatment of premature ejaculation (PE).

METHODS: We selected 80 cases of PE treated in our hospital from June 2021 to May 2023 and equally randomized them into a control and an observation group, the former medicated with compound chamomile lidocaine gel while the latter with sertraline hydrochloride in addition, both for 6 weeks. We recorded and compared the intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT), the number of successful sexual intercourses per week, the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) scores, and the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups of patients.

RESULTS: After the treatment, the IELT was significantly longer (［5.39 ± 1.17］ vs ［2.49 ± 0.73］ min, P< 0.05), the weekly number of successful sexual intercourses remarkably higher (1.82 ± 0.45 vs 0.93 ± 0.19, P< 0.05) and the PEDT scores markedly lower (7.42 ± 2.04 vs 9.85 ± 2.36, P< 0.05) in the observation than in the control group, but no statistically significant differences were observed in the baseline PEDT scores or the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P> 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Sertraline hydrochloride combined with compound chamomile lidocaine gel is definitely effective in the treatment of PE, which can significantly improve the patients’ quality of sexual life, with a high safety and low incidence of adverse reactions.

PMID:40783833

J Orthop Surg Res. 2025 Aug 9;20(1):753. doi: 10.1186/s13018-025-06158-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Surgical correction of severe complex spinal deformities (SCD) poses significant technical challenges and carries a high risk of neurological complications. In recent years, robot-assisted (RA) technology has been increasingly adopted in spinal surgery, with theoretical advantages in enhancing surgical precision and safety, particularly in anatomically complex cases. However, its clinical outcomes in the correction of SCD have not been thoroughly evaluated.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent RA scoliosis correction surgery between January 2021 and April 2024. Patients were classified into non-severe deformities (NSD) and SCD groups based on the criteria of Cobb angle > 80°, flexibility < 25%, or focal kyphosis > 90°. Demographic data, surgical parameters, and imaging outcomes were collected and compared between the two groups. Primary outcomes included pedicle screw placement accuracy, major curve correction rates, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and postoperative complications. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: A total of 38 patients were included (NSD: 21, SCD: 17). No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of age, sex distribution, BMI, or major curve region (p > 0.05). The SCD group exhibited significantly greater preoperative Cobb angles (93.69° ± 23.20° vs. 51.05° ± 14.33°, p < 0.0001) and kyphosis angles (102.65° ± 36.52° vs. 37.77° ± 21.57°, p < 0.0001) compared to the NSD group. There were no significant differences between the groups in the number of screws placed (18.35 ± 7.00 vs. 16.86 ± 7.77, p = 0.5414), operative time (277.35 ± 68.81 min vs. 247.00 ± 80.40 min, p = 0.2256), intraoperative blood loss (379.41 ± 241.78 ml vs. 319.05 ± 197.15 ml, p = 0.4019), or transfusion rates (23.53% vs. 23.81%, p = 1.0000). However, the SCD group had significantly longer hospital stays compared to the NSD group (27.65 ± 9.64 days vs. 21.19 ± 7.24 days, p = 0.0239). The complication rates were similar between the two groups (5.88% vs. 4.76%, p = 1.0000). Although the perfect screw placement rate in the SCD group was slightly lower than in the NSD group, the difference was not statistically significant (90.60% ± 4.90% vs. 92.18% ± 6.29%, p = 0.3997). Major curve correction rates also showed no significant difference between the groups (66.34% ± 19.91% vs. 71.05% ± 16.08%, p = 0.5134).

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that RA technology achieves comparable pedicle screw placement accuracy and major curve correction rates in SCD patients relative to NSD patients, with no significant increase in complication rates. However, SCD patients may require longer hospital stays. These findings suggest that RA technology is a safe and effective strategy for SCD management, though broader implementation requires validation through larger prospective trials. Further large-scale, prospective studies are warranted to validate these results.

PMID:40783770 | DOI:10.1186/s13018-025-06158-4

Parasit Vectors. 2025 Aug 9;18(1):340. doi: 10.1186/s13071-025-06928-3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are a source of parasitic infections common in Ethiopia and cause stunting of growth and neurodevelopment. The aim of this review was to examine the trends in STH prevalence and intensity in Ethiopia by year, age group, and region over a period of more than two decades.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature review using predefined terms was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The relevant studies were screened and reviewed, and the data were extracted and recorded in an Excel spreadsheet. A random-effects model was employed to determine the pooled prevalence. Prevalence estimates and their standard errors were extracted for each period, and pairwise comparisons of estimates between consecutive periods were performed, with P-values computed to assess the statistical significance in the changes recorded.

RESULTS: A total of 310 studies published from 2000 to 2023, focused on STHs in Ethiopia, were included in the analysis. Of these, 298 focused on Ascaris lumbricoides, 250 on Trichuris trichiura, and 278 on hookworms. The majority of studies were conducted in the Amhara region (43.5%), followed by Oromia (26.1%). The overall prevalence of A. lumbricoides decreased from 13.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 11.5%, 16.8%) before 2015 to 9.4% (95% CI 6.8%, 13.1%) after 2020, with a notable change observed between 2015 and 2019. In contrast, the prevalence of T. trichiura and hookworms did not show a significant change.

CONCLUSIONS: Progress has been made in reducing the prevalence and intensity of A. lumbricoides, but there is still some way to go, which will require higher mass drug administration (MDA) coverage levels plus treatment of the whole community including adults, alongside water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) interventions to prevent persistent reinfection.

PMID:40783768 | DOI:10.1186/s13071-025-06928-3

BMC Public Health. 2025 Aug 9;25(1):2717. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-24104-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Conflict invariably disrupts food production in affected areas, exacerbates food insecurity, and results in population displacement. In 2021, the invasion of the Amhara region by the Tigrayan armed group led to widespread impoverishment of much of Amhara population. The conflict particularly exacerbated malnutrition rates in the North Wollo Zone. Despite this, studies focusing on undernutrition in conflict-affected areas within the Zone have not yet been documented. Therefore, this study assessed post-conflict nutritional status of school-age children in Northeast Ethiopia.

METHODS: Cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2022 within the community, involving 584 school-age children. Socio-demographic data was collected through a structured questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements were transformed into indices using the World Health Organization’s Anthro-software. Descriptive and analytical statistical analyses were conducted with a 95% confidence interval. A p-value of less than 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant in the multivariate regression models.

RESULTS: Among the 584 participants, 45.7% (95% CI: 42.0-50.0) were found to be stunted, while 33.0% (95% CI: 29.3-37.0) were classified as thin. Stunting was significantly associated with being: age 10-14 years (AOR = 6.16, 95% CI: 3.89-9.78); male (AOR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.03-2.22); having an employed father (AOR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.46-7.92); having farmer father (AOR = 4.70, 95% CI: 2.61-8.47). The odds of thinness were significantly higher among children who were male (AOR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.23-3.03); lived in rural areas (AOR = 2.84, 95% CI: 1.55-5.20); had a mother who was a housewife (AOR = 4.38, 95% CI: 2.09-9.18) or a merchant (AOR = 4.84, 95% CI: 1.72-13.61); had a merchant father (AOR = 14.06, 95% CI: 6.97-28.35) or employed (AOR = 11.41, 95% CI: 4.33-30.07); and lived in a food-insecure household (AOR = 6.17, 95% CI: 3.84-9.90).

CONCLUSIONS: Undernutrition is significant public health concern among school-age children in the conflict-affected study area. Stunting and thinness were significantly linked to factors such as the child’s sex, age, parents’ occupational status. These findings underscore the pressing need to implement health and nutrition programs aimed at enhancing the nutritional status of school-age children in the conflict-affected region.

PMID:40783758 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-24104-1

BMC Health Serv Res. 2025 Aug 9;25(1):1048. doi: 10.1186/s12913-025-13296-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are among the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. However, significant gaps persist in understanding health and healthcare-related needs of individuals diagnosed with ASD and/or ADHD across the lifespan. Thus, this real-world evaluation sought to characterize the prevalence of ASD, ADHD, and co-existing ASD and ADHD (AuDHD); sociodemographics; frequent comorbidities and co-occurring diagnoses; and healthcare utilization and expenditures among members of a large national payor.

METHODS: This study represents an observational, cross-sectional evaluation of claims from a large national payor. Retrospective claims analyses of commercial fully insured (C-FI) members from 1/1/2022-12/31/2022 identified diagnoses for ASD and/or ADHD among adults (≥ 18 year) and children (< 18 year). Chi-squared tests, T-tests, and Fisher’s exact tests examined between-group differences in sociodemographic, health, and healthcare-related measures among members with neurodevelopmental disorders compared to members without ASD and/or ADHD.

RESULTS: Within adults (N = 1,928,106), 4.2% of members (60.2% White, 52.9% female, mean age: 34.1 ± 10.9 year) were diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders: ADHD (4.0%, n = 76,515); ASD (0.1%, n = 2,134); or AuDHD (0.1%, n = 1,266) (all P < 0.0001). Within children (N = 464,749), 6.7% of members (47.8% White, 67.5% male, mean age: 11.3 ± 3.8 year) were diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders: ADHD (5.0%, n = 23,250); ASD (1.1%, n = 5,098); or AuDHD (0.6%, n = 2,665) (all P < 0.0001). Increased odds (i.e., ≥ 2) for certain co-occurring diagnoses were consistently observed across all three neurodevelopmental cohorts for adults and children, which were primarily behavioral health (BH)-related. Compared to those without neurodevelopmental disorders, both adults and children with ASD and/or ADHD had higher healthcare utilization rates [adults: 615.2 to 1024.8 per thousand per month (PTPM); children: 398.4 to 1205.3 PTPM; all P < 0.001)]; largely owing to increased use of BH-related services, translating to greater total healthcare expenditures [adults: $140.3 to $292.1 per member per month (PMPM); children: $50.8 to $845.4 PMPM; all P < 0.001)].

CONCLUSIONS: Leveraging real-world data of 2,392,855 members from a large national payor, 4.1% of adults and 6.7% of children were diagnosed with ASD and/or ADHD. This population appeared to consistently exhibit specific co-existing diagnoses that frequently co-occur in addition to greater observed healthcare utilization and expenditures. Trial registration Not applicable.

PMID:40783757 | DOI:10.1186/s12913-025-13296-2

BMC Pulm Med. 2025 Aug 9;25(1):383. doi: 10.1186/s12890-025-03869-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) has emerged as a reliable proxy for insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction, showing associations with various health outcomes. While the relationship between metabolic health and respiratory function has been established, the association between TyG and lung function remains unclear, particularly in Asian populations. Therefore, we investigated whether TyG is associated with decreased lung function in a large sample of healthy Koreans.

METHODS: We analyzed data from 89,809 healthy Korean adults (46,739 men, mean age: 38.5 years) who underwent health examinations in 2019, stratifying participants into quartiles based on their TyG index. Lung function impairment was defined using the lower limit of normal (LLN) derived from spirometric values at the fifth percentile of our population. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for lung function impairment, using the lowest TyG quartile as the reference group.

RESULTS: Mean TyG index was 8.34 ± 0.57. Subjects in the highest TyG quartile exhibited the lowest predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%) and forced vital capacity (FVC%) after adjusting for covariates (P < 0.001). Also, FEV1(L) /FVC(L) ratio significantly differ among the four quartiles (P < 0.001). Compared to the lowest quartile (Q1), the aORs with 95% CI for FEV1% below the LLN across increasing quartiles (Q2 to Q4) were 1.150 (1.002-1.320), 1.272 (1.103-1.466), and 1.535 (1.310-1.799), respectively. For FVC% below the LLN, aORs were 1.233 (1.065-1.428), 1.334 (1.159-1.536), and 1.745 (1.506-2.021), respectively. Both trends were statistically significant (all P for trend < 0.001). In contrast, the aORs for FEV1/FVC below the LLN showed no significant differences among groups (P for trend = 0.186).

CONCLUSIONS: We found a significant association between higher TyG index values and decreased lung function in a large sample of healthy Koreans. Longitudinal studies are needed to establish causality and explore the long-term implications of this relationship on respiratory health.

PMID:40783755 | DOI:10.1186/s12890-025-03869-6

BMC Surg. 2025 Aug 9;25(1):360. doi: 10.1186/s12893-025-03047-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The delay in the starting of first elective surgical cases frequently occurs in the operation theatre. Its magnitude ranges from 24.8 to 99.3% and is contributed by many factors and it has the potential to induce major effects on the efficiency of the healthcare system.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the magnitude and factors of delayed incision time of first cases among elective surgery at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa Ethiopia, 2022/23.

METHOD: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 421 elective surgical first-cases in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa Ethiopia, from January to April 28, 2023. The primary outcome of this study was the magnitude of delayed first cases’ incision time of surgical patients. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and systematic sampling method. Data was analyzed using statistical software for social sciences version 26. A chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used for data analysis. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis was computed to determine the association between the independent and dependent variables. Independent variables with P < 0.20 were selected for multivariable analysis. Variables with P < 0.05 in a 95% confidence interval after multivariate analysis were selected as statistically significant.

RESULTS: a total of 924 cases were scheduled as the first cases in the study period and 422 cases were recruited. The magnitude of delayed first-case incision time was 56.5% with a mean delayance of 33 min. A multivariate analysis identified a lack of anesthesia and/or adjuvant drugs [AOR = 2.65(1.14-6.16), P < 0.05], late anesthesia induction [AOR = 19.65(10.07-38.34), P < 0.01], surgeons’ or residents’ late arrival to the operation theatre [AOR = 2.37(1.1-5.14), P < 0.05], surgical positions other than supine [AOR = 2.47(1.23-4.97), P < 0.05] and type of surgery as a significant predictors of delayed first case start of elective surgeries.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The magnitude of delayed first cases’ incision time among elective surgery was high (56.5%) with a mean time of delayance of 33 min. Lack of anesthetics or adjuvants, late anesthesia induction, late arrival of the surgical team, surgical position other than supine, and surgery types were significantly associated factors. It is recommended to develop an improvement plan to minimize first-case incision time delayance and improve surgical efficiency among elective surgeries.

PMID:40783754 | DOI:10.1186/s12893-025-03047-9

BMC Neurol. 2025 Aug 9;25(1):329. doi: 10.1186/s12883-025-04320-3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Post-stroke fall is a common incidence among stroke survivors, and it has several detrimental effects on this group of people. It significantly influences their well-being, increasing morbidity and reducing functional independence. It also leads to limiting activity and participation, increasing dependence and developing a fear of movements. In addition, it delay the progress of motor and cognitive recovery, as the patients may avoid activities that increase their risk of falling. Therefore, assessing post-stroke falls and their associated factors is necessary to address their consequences.

SUBJECTS: Stroke survivors who attended stroke units and physiotherapy outpatient clinics at hospitals in Jimma town, Oromia Regional State, South west Ethiopia.

METHOD: A hospital-based cross-sectional study with a systematic random sampling technique was employed, and the data collection occurred through chart review, physical examination, and face-to-face interviews. The collected data was analyzed on SPSS Version 25. Bi-variable analysis was used to determine potential candidate variables. Finally, an adjusted odds ratio with a P value < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant.

RESULT: Among the study participants, 59.5% (235) of stroke survivors experienced post-stroke falls. Key factors includes an older age group (AOR = 3.2; 95% CI = 1.159-9.020), hemorrhagic type of stroke (AOR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.036-3.088), spastic muscle tone (AOR = 2.7; 95% CI = 1.343-5.394), altered mental status (AOR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.019-2.819), less number one caregiver (AOR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.119-3.026), and late admission to hospital (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.115-3.952).

CONCLUSION: More than half of stroke survivors had a history Post-stroke falls in the Jimma town with key factors including older age, type of stroke, spastic muscle tone, ≤one caregiver, late admission to hospital, and altered mental status.

PMID:40783749 | DOI:10.1186/s12883-025-04320-3

BMC Neurol. 2025 Aug 9;25(1):326. doi: 10.1186/s12883-025-04350-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Migraine is a complex neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, disabling headaches and various sensory symptoms, affecting about 15% of the global population annually. It is the second most common neurological condition worldwide, causing significant disability. While current prophylactic treatments include beta-blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and monoclonal antibodies targeting the CGRP pathway, not all patients respond adequately. Atogepant, an oral CGRP receptor antagonist, has emerged as a promising option for migraine prevention with improved tolerability.

METHODS: This meta-analysis follows PRISMA guidelines, involving a comprehensive search of Cochrane CENTRAL, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases up to July 2024. Efficacy outcomes included mean monthly migraine days (MMDs), mean monthly headache days (MHDs), monthly acute medication use days and the percentage of patients with a ≥ 50% reduction in MMDs. Safety outcomes were measured by adverse events (AEs). Statistical analysis employed the Inverse Variance and Mantel-Haenszel random-effects models, with heterogeneity assessed using the I² index.

RESULTS: Six RCTs with 4325 patients (3054 on Atogepant, 1271 on placebo) met the inclusion criteria. The combined analysis indicated a significant reduction in MMDs favoring Atogepant over placebo (SMD – 0.39, 95% CI: -0.45 to -0.33; p < 0.00001; I²=0%). Similarly, significant reductions were observed in MHDs, monthly acute medication use days, and the proportion of patients achieving a ≥ 50% reduction in MMDs.

CONCLUSION: Atogepant is an effective and safe option for migraine prophylaxis, showing significant reductions in MMDs. Further extensive trials are recommended to assess the long-term efficacy, safety, and cost efficiency of Atogepant compared to other preventive medications.

PMID:40783748 | DOI:10.1186/s12883-025-04350-x

BMC Public Health. 2025 Aug 9;25(1):2720. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-24033-z.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Though there are a growing number of programs seeking to prevent violence against women and children, adolescent girls often fall into a gap between these approaches. This article focuses on the impact of a violence prevention program, Rethinking Power, on the lives and wellbeing girls and young women aged 10-23.

METHODS: The study utilized a quasi-experimental, mixed-methods design. The results focus on data collected with girls and young women (N = 1,627) who were of adolescent age during program implementation. A difference-in-difference approach explored the impact of the program on key outcomes using cross-sectional data from three timepoints. A survey of girls’ groups participants was also undertaken (N = 752) and qualitative data was collected with adolescents and community stakeholders (52 focus groups and 61 interviews). Regression was utilized to analyze girls’ group data and thematic analysis to analyze qualitative data. Data for mixed methods analysis was brought together using a convergent approach.

RESULTS: The results show girls and young women the intervention areas reported less experiences of physical or sexual IPV in the past 12 months over time (from 25.7% at baseline to 15.7% at endline) and reduced, though non-significant due to small samples, odds of experiencing IPV compared to the controls (OR: 0.78; p = .51). Qualitative data also showed changes in violence, acceptance of violence and gender attitudes. Girls and young women in the intervention area (rather than control) had more than twice the odds of reporting that they could choose who to be friends with (OR: 2.59; p = .047) and had greater odds of agreeing that girls should be allowed to socialize just as boys (OR: 3.87; p <.001) and that a man should not have the final word at home (OR: 1.94; p = .019). Participants in girls’ groups saw improvements on indicators related to gender attitudes, acceptance of violence, self-esteem and agency.

CONCLUSIONS: While not all results are statistically significant due to small sample sizes, they suggest that girl-focused programming, alongside a wider community-change process, can improve the lives of adolescent girls.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The full trial was retrospectively registered in ISRCTN (ISRCTN12311597) on April 4th, 2024.

PMID:40783733 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-24033-z