Category: Nevin Manimala

Methods Mol Biol. 2025;2947:29-48. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4662-5_2.

ABSTRACT

Knowledge of protein functions is crucial to understanding and investigating cellular functions across all organisms. Accurate annotations of protein functions are also useful for the elucidation of mechanisms of various diseases and can be used to guide target-based drug design efforts. Although biological experiments are the most precise way for functional annotation of proteins, they are often time-consuming, laborious, and expensive. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop efficient and accurate computational approaches for protein function prediction. This chapter comprehensively reviews and categorizes prominent computational predictors of protein functions, which are defined by the Gene Ontology (GO) terms, including template detection-based methods, statistical machine learning-based methods, deep learning-based methods, and composition methods. Applications of those protein function prediction methods are also discussed.

PMID:40728606 | DOI:10.1007/978-1-0716-4662-5_2

ACS Omega. 2025 Jul 7;10(28):30576-30586. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.5c02481. eCollection 2025 Jul 22.

ABSTRACT

Tuning the surface chemistry of 3D graphene structures, such as hydrogels and aerogels, is critical for advancing their chemical and physical properties, which are essential for material design. Here, we present an innovative in-flow covalent functionalization approach based on diazonium salt chemistry to introduce new functionalities into the 3D graphene aerogel backbone while preserving its porous architecture. To achieve this, we designed a flow-based reactor tailored for the functionalization of macroscopic aerogel samples, addressing limitations of noncovalent methods including molecular slippage. Notably, the proposed method operates at room temperature, a significant advantage over existing techniques that often require high thermal conditions. Additionally, to overcome challenges associated with solid-state Raman analysis of graphene-based compounds, we proposed a statistical model to enhance the reproducibility of the process and rationalize I _D/I _G ratios post-treatment. This work demonstrates the feasibility of in-flow covalent functionalization of 3D graphene aerogels, opening new perspectives for the development of customizable porous carbon-based materials for various technological applications.

PMID:40727740 | PMC:PMC12290618 | DOI:10.1021/acsomega.5c02481

ACS Omega. 2025 Jul 11;10(28):30587-30598. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.5c02473. eCollection 2025 Jul 22.

ABSTRACT

Groundwater quality in Larkana, Pakistan, was comprehensively assessed using a systematic grid-based approach (n = 112), standardized American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)/American Public Health Association (APHA) methods, and advanced GIS techniques. Key physicochemical parameters were measured, with pH values ranging from 6.8 to 8.0 (mean 7.5), turbidity spanning 0.14 to 13.03 NTU (mean 1.4 NTU), electrical conductivity (EC) from 270 to 3593 μS/cm, and total dissolved solids (TDS) between 136 and 1780 mg/L. Arsenic concentrations varied from nondetectable to 48 ppb, with 96% of samples meeting the WHO guideline of ≤10 ppb (0.01 mg/L). A composite water quality index (WQI) indicated that most sites were “good” or “excellent,” although localized deviations were noted. A novel, low-cost treatment prototypebased on the Kanchan Arsenic Filterdemonstrated arsenic removal efficiencies of 90-96%, along with reductions in turbidity by 95-99% and significant microbial decreases. GIS analyses using Inverse Distance-Weighted interpolation and Getis-Ord Gi* statistics revealed distinct arsenic hotspots, particularly in eastern Larkana, and significant negative correlations between arsenic and both EC and TDS. These integrated findings present an innovative framework for targeted remediation and sustainable water resource management in arsenic-impacted regions.

PMID:40727734 | PMC:PMC12290700 | DOI:10.1021/acsomega.5c02473

Rev Bras Ortop (Sao Paulo). 2025 Jul 25;60(2):1-11. doi: 10.1055/s-0045-1809530. eCollection 2025 Apr.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of preoperative malnutrition in individuals undergoing primary TKA and to assess its association with age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and comorbidities, as well as the risk of prolonged postsurgical hospitalization, early prosthetic joint infection (PJI), or readmission.

METHODS: We conducted a cohort study of TKAs performed between 2014 and 2016. Preoperative malnutrition was defined as a total lymphocyte count < 1,500 cells/mm ³ , a serum albumin concentration < 3.5 g/dL, or a transferrin concentration < 200 mg/dL within the six months before surgery.

RESULTS: Out of the 2080 TKAs performed, 1099 had valid lymphometry, albumin, and transferrin data and were included in the analysis. The prevalence of malnutrition was 17.7%. Independent factors associated with a higher prevalence of malnutrition were age (OR = 1.03; 95% CI = (1.01-1.05)), anemia (1.55 (1.05-2.28)), low weight (3.13 (1.50-6.50)), and normal weight (1.85 (1.21-2.82)). Diabetes mellitus was inversely associated with malnutrition (0.60 (0.38-0.96)). Early PJI was diagnosed in 18 (1.6%) participants. There was no statistically significant and independent association between malnutrition and postsurgical complications.

CONCLUSION: Altered lymphocyte count, serum albumin, and transferrin levels is common among individuals undergoing TKA, particularly in older patients, those with anemia, and individuals with normal or low weight. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to better assess the relationship between malnutrition and adverse outcomes following TKA.

PMID:40727702 | PMC:PMC12302332 | DOI:10.1055/s-0045-1809530

Rev Bras Ortop (Sao Paulo). 2025 Jul 25;60(2):1-11. doi: 10.1055/s-0045-1809529. eCollection 2025 Apr.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Describe the prevalence of preoperative malnutrition in individuals undergoing primary TKA and to assess its association with age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and comorbidities, as well as the risk of prolonged postsurgical hospitalization, early prosthetic joint infection (PJI), or readmission.

METHODS: We conducted a cohort study of TKAs performed between 2014 and 2016. Preoperative malnutrition was defined as a total lymphocyte count < 1,500 cells/mm ³ , a serum albumin concentration < 3.5 g/dL, or a transferrin concentration < 200 mg/dL within the six months before surgery.

RESULTS: Out of the 2080 TKAs performed, 1099 had valid lymphometry, albumin, and transferrin data and were included in the analysis. The prevalence of malnutrition was 17.7%. Independent factors associated with a higher prevalence of malnutrition were age (OR = 1.03; 95% CI = (1.01-1.05)), anemia (1.55 (1.05-2.28)), low weight (3.13 (1.50-6.50)), and normal weight (1.85 (1.21-2.82)). Diabetes mellitus was inversely associated with malnutrition (0.60 (0.38-0.96)). Early PJI was diagnosed in 18 (1.6%) participants. There was no statistically significant and independent association between malnutrition and postsurgical complications.

CONCLUSION: Altered lymphocyte count, serum albumin, and transferrin levels is common among individuals undergoing TKA, particularly in older patients, those with anemia, and individuals with normal or low weight. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to better assess the relationship between malnutrition and adverse outcomes following TKA.

PMID:40727701 | PMC:PMC12302328 | DOI:10.1055/s-0045-1809529

SAGE Open Nurs. 2025 Jul 22;11:23779608251362354. doi: 10.1177/23779608251362354. eCollection 2025 Jan-Dec.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Vital signs monitoring is a common task for nursing and midwifery students during their clinical rotation. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the students’ attitudes toward this skill.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the attitudes of nursing and midwifery students toward vital sign monitoring and identify the key factors that influence them.

METHODS: A descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional research design was employed, utilizing an online self-administered questionnaire. The study participants were selected through a simple random sampling method. The translated V-scale instrument was used to assess the nursing students’ attitudes toward vital sign monitoring. Descriptive statistics were computed, and multivariate linear regression was employed for data analysis.

RESULTS: The total number of participants in this study was 215 students. The study found that the mean score for students’ attitudes regarding vital sign monitoring was 3.17 (SD = 0.37). Notably, the communication subscale received the highest mean score of 4.16 (SD = 0.56). The workload subscale, on the other hand, had the lowest mean score, 2.37 (SD = 0.76). The backward stepwise regression revealed that academic programs such as midwifery (β = .146, t = 2.17, P < .05) and grade point average (GPA) (β = .172, t = 2.55, P < .05) are statistically significant predictors for student’s attitudes toward vital signs monitoring. The adjusted R ² of .038 suggested that approximately 3.8% of the variance in attitude level toward vital signs monitoring was explained by the academic program of midwifery and GPA (R ² = .047, adj. R ² = .038, F(2, 212) = 5.271, P < .01).

CONCLUSION: The participating students in this research exhibited moderate attitudes toward vital sign monitoring. The most positive attitude was in the communication subscale, while the most negative attitude was in the workload subscale. We identified academic program variables like midwifery and GPA as significant predictors of students’ attitudes toward vital signs monitoring.

PMID:40727687 | PMC:PMC12301608 | DOI:10.1177/23779608251362354

Anesth Pain Med. 2025 May 13;15(3):e160771. doi: 10.5812/aapm-160771. eCollection 2025 Jun 30.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Millions of computer users experience chronic neck and shoulder pain (CNSP) and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) due to upper cross syndrome (UCS). While strengthening exercises for the posterior trunk alleviate symptoms, it remains unclear whether isometric or isotonic exercises are more effective.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the effects of isometric and isotonic exercises on CNSP and HRQoL in individuals with UCS, and to evaluate these outcomes against a non-intervention group.

METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial (RCT), 43 UCS patients with CNSP were divided into three groups: Isometric exercises (n = 15), isotonic exercises (n = 14), and a control group (n = 14). Over 8 weeks, exercise groups completed 3 sessions per week (40 – 60 minutes each). Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and HRQoL was assessed using the 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) questionnaire, both pre- and post-intervention.

RESULTS: Both isometric and isotonic exercises significantly reduced CNSP and improved HRQoL compared to the control group. Isometric exercises yielded a 70.4% pain reduction (P < 0.001) and a 14.9% HRQoL improvement (P = 0.002), while isotonic training showed a 47.6% pain reduction (P = 0.001) and a 17.7% HRQoL improvement (P < 0.001). Between-group differences were not statistically significant (pain: P = 0.853; HRQoL: P = 0.999). Although isometric exercises slightly favored pain reduction and isotonic exercises showed marginal HRQoL gains, these differences should not be overstated.

CONCLUSIONS: Both isometric and isotonic exercises improved CNSP and HRQoL in UCS patients, with no significant difference between them. Slight trends favoring each should be interpreted cautiously. Longer-term studies are warranted.

PMID:40727637 | PMC:PMC12297035 | DOI:10.5812/aapm-160771

Anesth Pain Med. 2025 May 26;15(3):e158242. doi: 10.5812/aapm-158242. eCollection 2025 Jun 30.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain following laparoscopic surgeries, such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy, can be severe. Despite various analgesic methods, high doses of narcotics are often required, leading to complications such as dizziness, respiratory disorders, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of two novel analgesic methods, the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and the retrolaminar block (RLB), performed under ultrasound guidance, in managing pain after upper abdominal laparoscopic surgeries.

METHODS: In this clinical trial, candidates for elective upper abdominal laparoscopic surgeries were randomly assigned to two groups (40 patients in the ESPB group and 40 in the RLB group). To manage preoperative pain, one group received an ESPB block under ultrasound guidance on the surgical side, while the other group received a RLB. Both groups were equipped with a patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) pump containing fentanyl. The analgesic used in both blocks was 0.1% ropivacaine (20 cc) on the surgical side. Patients’ pain intensity [based on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)], need for additional narcotics, satisfaction, and sedation scores were recorded and analyzed at various time points post-surgery.

RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the demographic and baseline characteristics between the two groups. However, the average NRS score was significantly lower in the RLB group at all time points post-surgery, except immediately after surgery (P < 0.001). Patient satisfaction was higher in the RLB group at 20 minutes, 2 hours, 4 hours, and 6 hours post-surgery (P < 0.05). The RLB group also required fewer narcotics, indicating that the RLB is more effective in managing acute postoperative pain.

CONCLUSIONS: The RLB is more effective than the ESPB in reducing post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy pain. It also decreases narcotic consumption and associated complications. Therefore, it is recommended as a cost-effective method for managing acute pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

PMID:40727635 | PMC:PMC12301681 | DOI:10.5812/aapm-158242

Anesth Pain Med. 2025 Jun 2;15(3):e161767. doi: 10.5812/aapm-161767. eCollection 2025 Jun 30.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Tissue injury resulting from surgical procedures leads to the release of various inflammatory agents, such as mitochondrial DNA (mt-DNA). This can trigger inflammatory mechanisms that may harm different organs.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we investigated the effects of isoflurane and propofol on mt-DNA levels during posterior spinal fusion (PSF) surgery.

METHODS: After meeting the inclusion criteria, 40 patients scheduled for PSF surgery were enrolled in a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial and randomly divided into groups receiving propofol or isoflurane for maintenance of anesthesia. Mitochondrial DNA levels were measured before surgery, one hour after induction of anesthesia, in the recovery unit, and 24 hours post-surgery.

RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding age, gender, and mt-DNA levels prior to surgery (P-value > 0.05). However, mt-DNA levels were significantly higher in the isoflurane group one hour after induction of anesthesia (P-value = 0.001), in the recovery unit (P-value = 0.042), and 24 hours after surgery (P-value = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS: Propofol was superior to isoflurane, as demonstrated by a lesser elevation in plasma levels of mt-DNA in PSF patients.

PMID:40727634 | PMC:PMC12297033 | DOI:10.5812/aapm-161767

Anesth Pain Med. 2025 May 26;15(3):e161542. doi: 10.5812/aapm-161542. eCollection 2025 Jun 30.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Spinal anesthesia (SA) is preferred over general anesthesia for lower extremity surgeries, but the optimal method of needle placement is debated. Although the paramedian approach reduces the risks of dural puncture, it presents technical difficulties. The modified paramedian technique may increase safety and patient satisfaction by facilitating subarachnoid access and overcoming anatomical challenges, particularly in obese or elderly patients.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the paramedian and modified paramedian techniques from the perspective of anesthesiologists and their impact on postoperative patient satisfaction.

METHODS: This triple-blind randomized clinical trial investigated the effects of two SA techniques – paramedian and modified paramedian – on patient satisfaction and procedural ease. A total of 112 patients meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled. Data were collected using the Iowa Satisfaction with Anesthesia Care Questionnaire. Demographic information was recorded in coded form, and data analysis was performed using SPSS version 19. Statistical methods included the independent t-test for comparing continuous means between groups, the chi-square test for categorical variables, and logistic regression analysis to assess the impact of individual characteristics (age, gender, weight) on the ease of performing spinal anesthesia.

RESULTS: The results indicated that the modified paramedian group demonstrated superior performance in terms of success on the first attempt (P = 0.006), reduced need for repositioning (P = 0.038), and fewer repeated attempts (P = 0.017). Additionally, patient satisfaction scores were significantly higher in the modified paramedian group (P = 0.001). Multivariate regression confirmed age and Body Mass Index (BMI) as independent predictors of procedural difficulty (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: The modified paramedian technique significantly enhanced the ease of SA administration and patient satisfaction compared to the traditional approach. These findings indicate its potential to improve the anesthesia process, reduce side effects, and elevate patient experience. This study supports broader adoption of the technique in surgical and healthcare settings, advancing anesthesia care quality.

PMID:40727633 | PMC:PMC12296660 | DOI:10.5812/aapm-161542