Category: Nevin Manimala

Pulmonology. 2026 Dec;32(1):2671584. doi: 10.1080/25310429.2026.2671584. Epub 2026 May 26.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important cause of acute respiratory infection (ARI), but its burden in Portuguese adults remains under-investigated.

METHODS: This single-centre retrospective database cohort study examined RSV-ARI hospitalisations in adults aged ≥18 years over six consecutive seasons (2018/19 to 2023/24), a period which includes years impacted by COVID-19 disruptions. Outcomes included the prevalence of RT-PCR-confirmed RSV-ARI among tested ARI admissions, clinical features and adverse outcomes, healthcare resource use and direct costs; outcomes were also described for influenza-ARI to provide context. Analyses were descriptive without any comparison between the groups.

RESULTS: Of 7,125 ARI-hospitalisations 3,011 underwent RSV/influenza testing. The overall prevalence of RT-PCR-confirmed RSV-ARI and influenza-ARI in tested admissions was 8.1% and 20.3%, respectively. The study included 244 RSV-ARI and 612 influenza-ARI admissions, most ≥60 years old; 77.1% of RSV-ARI admissions and 61.4% of influenza-ARI admissions involved high-risk patients with comorbidities. Complications within 90 days were frequent, including acute cardiac events (RSV-ARI, 47.1%; influenza-ARI, 38.2%), respiratory failure (46.3% and 31.5%), pneumonia (34.0% and 22.4%) and acute renal disease (34.0% and 29.3%). All-cause in-hospital mortality was 19.7% for RSV-ARI (influenza-ARI, 12.8%). Mean length of stay for RSV-ARI was 8.5 days (interquartile range ([IQR], 9.7) with a mean cost of €4 757; for influenza-ARI, 7.4 days (IQR 8.9) and €3 537, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: RSV represents an important cause of ARI-hospitalisation in older adults, especially in those with comorbidities, with a substantial clinical and economic burden, which was similar or higher than influenza (GSK study identifier: VEO-000773).

PMID:42186711 | DOI:10.1080/25310429.2026.2671584

JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2026 May 26. doi: 10.1002/jpen.70106. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:42186708 | DOI:10.1002/jpen.70106

J Periodontol. 2026 May 26. doi: 10.1002/jper.70145. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of smoking on root coverage outcomes, comparing healing responses at 3-12 months following coronally advanced flap with a connective tissue graft (CAF+CTG).

METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 27 participants (13 smokers, 14 non-smokers) who required root coverage for a single Cairo Type 1 defect. Smoking status was biochemically verified (salivary cotinine). Clinical parameters, including recession depth and width, keratinized tissue width, and percentage of root coverage, were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months postoperatively. Statistical analysis employed both parametric and non-parametric tests to assess intra- and inter-group differences.

RESULTS: Compared with 3 months, both groups demonstrated increases in recession depth and decreases in percentage root coverage at 12 months. Median (interquartile range) recession depth increased from 1.0 (0.0-1.0) mm at 3 months to 1.0 (1.0-2.0) mm at 12 months in smokers, and from 0.0 (0.0-0.8) mm to 0.5 (0.0-1.0) mm in non-smokers. Root coverage percentage was significantly higher in non-smokers at 12 months, with 87.5% achieving root coverage compared with 66.6% in smokers (p = 0.024). Keratinized tissue width increased at 12 months, compared with 3 months, in both groups, from 5.08 ± 1.21 (mean ± SD) to 5.36 ± 1.80 mm and from 5.64 ± 1.59 to 5.77 ± 1.25 mm in smokers and non-smokers, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: The negative impact of smoking on CAF+CTG outcomes became statistically detectable at 12 months postoperatively, a finding underscoring the need to consider smoking status when treatment planning and discussing expectations with patients.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: This study explored how smoking affects healing after a common gum surgery used to cover exposed tooth roots. We followed two groups of patients, smokers and non-smokers, for 1 year after they received the same treatment, which involved repositioning the gum and adding a tissue graft from the palate. At first, both groups showed good early healing, but differences emerged over time. By 12 months, smokers showed more return of gum recession and achieved less complete root coverage than non-smokers. Although most non-smokers maintained full coverage of the treated tooth, this was true for far fewer smokers. Both groups did show some healthy growth of the firm gum tissue around the tooth, but this did not offset the long-term disadvantage seen in smokers. These findings suggest that the harmful effects of smoking may not be obvious in the early months after surgery but become clearer as healing continues. Understanding this gradual difference can help dentists to guide patients more effectively, especially those who smoke, by setting realistic expectations and highlighting how smoking may limit the long-term success of treatment.

PMID:42186701 | DOI:10.1002/jper.70145

BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2026 May 26. doi: 10.1186/s13102-026-01767-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The present study aims to examine the impact of badminton training programs on the attention and motor skills performance of students with specific learning disabilities (SLDs).

METHODS: The study was carried out with students at a public middle school. The study group consisted of a total of 44 volunteer students with SLD, with 22 participants in the experimental group (mean age 12.41 ± 0.90) and 22 participants in the control group (mean age 11.64 ± 0.49). Over a 12-week period, the experimental group regularly participated in two hours of badminton training per week in addition to their daily activities. Meanwhile, the control group was not included in any additional physical activity program and maintained their daily routines. Prior to the start of the study, information regarding the participants was recorded using a personal information form. The Bourdon Attention Test, Togu Balance Test, and Sit-and-Reach Flexibility Test were administered to the participants prior to the study and following the badminton training. To isolate the impact of differences in pre-test scores between the groups on the post-test, an Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) for Repeated Measures was conducted.

RESULTS: Following the 12-week badminton training program, a statistically significant difference was observed in terms of the pre- and post-test results for balance and attention performance in the experimental group (p < 0.05), while no statistically significant difference was found in terms of the pre- and post-test results for flexibility performance (p > 0.05). In the control group, no statistically significant differences were identified in the pre- and post-test results for any of the parameters (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that the 12-week badminton training program is an effective method for improving static balance and selective attention skills in students with SLD. However, it is thought that more long-term or specific exercise content may be needed to achieve changes in flexibility.

PMID:42185927 | DOI:10.1186/s13102-026-01767-w

BMC Endocr Disord. 2026 May 25. doi: 10.1186/s12902-026-02332-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Metformin is the preferred initial therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and gradual upward dose titration is recommended to reach target blood glucose levels. The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of metformin dose up-titration and its effect on glycemic control among T2DM patients.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of people with T2DM was conducted at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from January to March 2020. Participants with fasting plasma glucose above 140 mg/dl after one month of initiating metformin were followed over the course of treatment. Multivariable binary logistic regression models were used to evaluate independent variables associated with metformin dose up-titration and glycemic control. The output of the logistic regression was expressed as adjusted odds ratios at 95% confidence intervals. Test results were considered statistically significant when p < 0.05. A total of 284 T2DM patients on metformin were included in the study.

RESULTS: The mean age and SD of the study participants was 54.0 ± 10.5. Metformin dose was up-titrated at least once in 61.6% of the study participants. Almost half of the study participants had achieved glycemic control (HbA1c ≤ 7). Having a duration of treatment less than five years, initiating metformin at a daily dose of 500 mg and the addition of hypoglycemic medications were independent predictors of metformin dose up-titration. T2DM patients whose metformin dose was up-titrated had two times higher odds of having controlled blood glucose levels compared to those not up-titrated (P-value: 0.015; OR: 1.823; 95% CI: 1.121-2.963). A gradual metformin dose titration at later than the 4th month was associated with better glycemic control. T2DM patients whose metformin dose was titrated only once were less likely to achieve glycemic control (P-value: 0.038; OR: 0.482; 95% CI: 0.242-0.962).

CONCLUSIONS: In this resource-constrained setting, metformin dose up-titration was less commonly practiced than adding another hypoglycemic agent in the management of T2DM. However, dose up-titration was associated with a higher likelihood of achieving glycemic control. These findings suggest that optimizing metformin dosing may improve glycemic outcomes before intensifying therapy with additional agents, although prospective studies are needed to confirm this association.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

PMID:42185896 | DOI:10.1186/s12902-026-02332-9

BMC Oral Health. 2026 May 26. doi: 10.1186/s12903-026-08626-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Immediate implant placement with flap elevation and guided bone regeneration in Type II sockets often leads to midfacial gingival recession and compromised esthetics. To address these limitations, vestibular socket therapy (VST) has been proposed as an alternative technique. Our objective is to compare vestibular socket therapy using pericardium membrane versus conventional flap and guided bone regeneration (GBR) for immediate implant placement in type II sockets regarding bone and soft-tissue outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with Type II sockets were divided into two equal groups. Group-I: received immediate implant placement through a vestibular incision with pericardium membrane placement; the defect was grafted with a mixture of allograft and xenograft. Group-II: received immediate implant placement with conventional open-flap surgery using the same membrane and grafting materials. Radiographic evaluation of labial bone was performed at 3 and 6 months using CBCT assessments. Volumetric analyses of buccal soft-tissue contours were recorded preoperatively and at 6 months. Clinical assessment of pink esthetic score (PES) and modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI) also were performed at 6 months.

RESULTS: Both groups showed statistically significant increases in buccal bone thickness and height from baseline to 3 and 6 months. Volumetric change and mSBI values demonstrated no statistically significant differences between groups (p > 0.05). Mean PES was significantly higher in the study group (12.78 ± 0.83) compared to controls (11.56 ± 1.24) (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS: Pericardium membrane with VST offers a promising approach for immediate implant placement in type-II sockets, achieving predictable bone regeneration and better esthetic outcomes, as reflected by higher PES.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07337837) (13/1/2026).

PMID:42185891 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-026-08626-7

BMC Med Educ. 2026 May 26. doi: 10.1186/s12909-026-09524-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Flexible bronchoscopic intubation (FBI) is a vital skill for anaesthesiologists managing difficult airways. Traditional training models often fail to replicate real difficult airway scenarios, limiting their educational value. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of three-dimensional (3D) printed difficult airway models, developed from patient CT/MRI images, in improving FBI skills among anaesthesia residents compared to conventional manikin models.

METHODS: Twenty-eight anaesthesia residents were randomised equally into the 3D-printed model group and the AirSim manikin group. Each resident received a standardised lecture, followed by FBI training using their assigned model and then a crossover with the alternate model. Educational effectiveness was assessed using a global rating scale, performance on the ORSIM simulator scenarios, and a trainee-reported questionnaire measuring suitability, realism, and educational effectiveness.

RESULTS: The global rating scales of operative performance and FBI time improved significantly after training in both groups. The post-training performance on the ORSIM simulator did not differ significantly between both groups. Compared with the AirSim manikin model, the 3D-printed model had a higher trainee-reported educational effectiveness (8.6 ± 1.0 vs. 7.9 ± 1.0; p = 0.050). Exploratory post-hoc analyses suggested that prior FBI experience modified the training response.

CONCLUSIONS: Both 3D-printed difficult airway models and conventional manikins were associated with improvement in FBI performance, with no statistically significant between-group differences in objective skill-acquisition outcomes. Trainees perceived the 3D-printed model as more educationally effective.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable. The study was launched based on simulation models and without enrollment of patients nor animals; hence the protocol registration number was not attributed.

PMID:42185890 | DOI:10.1186/s12909-026-09524-w

Trop Med Health. 2026 May 25. doi: 10.1186/s41182-026-00984-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Malaria and dengue fever are transmitted by female mosquitoes of the Anopheles and Aedes genera, respectively. These diseases are among the most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, with dengue fever posing an increasingly significant threat. In this context, studying the species diversity of vectors, as well as their bionomics, including their ecological and behavioral traits, is essential for a better understanding of transmission dynamics, and for guiding appropriate vector control strategies. This study aims to characterize the species diversity and human bite rates of malaria and dengue vectors in central and northern Benin simultaneously, using a multimethod sampling approach combining larval surveys, captures on human volunteers, oviposition trap use, and pyrethrum spraying captures.

RESULTS: Combined diurnal and nocturnal collections yielded a total of 2,337 adult mosquitoes across the five study communes. Species composition was dominated by the genera Aedes and Anopheles, with marked spatial heterogeneity among localities. The statistically significant intercommunal differences (p < 0.001) indicated a heterogeneous spatial distribution of the mosquito populations, which was further supported by the diversity indices. During larval surveys, 993 potential breeding sites were inspected, of which 51.0% were positive. In the study area, household containers such as buckets, jars, and jerry cans are the most abundant and productive breeding sites for Aedes. After emergence, 1,988 adult mosquitoes were identified, representing seven species: Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus, Ae. vittatus, Anopheles gambiae, Culex nebulosus, Cx. quinquefasciatus, and Cx. tigripes. Pyrethrum spray collection revealed five species and confirmed the presence of endophilic vectors, notably An. gambiae and Cx. quinquefasciatus. Analysis of biting activity revealed a pronounced circadian pattern: Aedes aegypti exhibited predominantly diurnal biting activity, whereas Anopheles gambiae showed a marked increase in nocturnal activity. The concurrent detection of Anopheles gambiae s.l. and Aedes aegypti during both daytime and nighttime, even at relatively low abundance levels, represents a noteworthy epidemiological signal suggesting a potential combined risk of malaria and dengue transmission.

CONCLUSION: The multimethod approach highlights the importance of integrated entomological surveillance to anticipate emerging epidemiological dynamics and adapt vector control strategies to local ecological conditions.

PMID:42185885 | DOI:10.1186/s41182-026-00984-w

BMC Psychol. 2026 May 26. doi: 10.1186/s40359-026-04842-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Mental imagery plays a crucial role in cognitive and motor functioning. The present study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and psychometrically evaluate the Persian version of Sheehan’s shortened form of Betts’ Questionnaire Upon Mental Imagery (QMI) among Iranian university students. This study represents the first comprehensive cultural adaptation and psychometric validation of the Betts’ Questionnaire Upon Mental Imagery (QMI) in Persian-speaking populations.

METHODS: A total of 379 students from Shahid Beheshti University (166 women, 213 men; mean age = 20.97 ± 2.95 years) voluntarily participated in the study. The original QMI includes 35 items across seven sensory modalities (visual, auditory, cutaneous, kinesthetic, gustatory, olfactory, and organic), scored on a 7-point Likert scale (1 = vivid image, 7 = no image). A rigorous forward-backward translation protocol involving a multidisciplinary expert panel was implemented. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), Cronbach’s alpha, and gender comparison using independent t-tests were conducted. Robust Maximum Likelihood Estimation was used in CFA due to non-normality.

RESULTS: CFA confirmed the original seven-factor structure with good fit by multiple indices (CFI=0.96, TLI=0.95, SRMR=0.06, RMSEA=0.06 [90% CI: 0.05, 0.07], p-close = .12; PGFI = 0.73, PNFI = 0.84, χ2/df = 2.18. Internal consistency was strong (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.87 overall; all subscales α = 0.65-0.78; McDonald’s ω = 0.68-0.92). No statistically significant gender differences were observed in total or subscale scores (p > .05).

CONCLUSIONS: The QMI demonstrates sound psychometric properties, confirming its applicability for assessing vividness of multisensory imagery in Persian-speaking populations, however, further validation is required before its broad application in specialized clinical or elite athletic contexts.

PMID:42185875 | DOI:10.1186/s40359-026-04842-6

BMC Psychol. 2026 May 25. doi: 10.1186/s40359-026-04824-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Evidence indicates that smartphone addiction is associated with a series of psychological problems. However, there is still a lack of sufficient understanding regarding smartphone addiction that occurs in both negative and positive mental health conditions in youths. We aimed to map the network linking smartphone addiction (SMA) with negative (depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness) and positive (life satisfaction, social support, resilience, and self-efficacy) mental health factors in youths.

METHODS: In a cross-sectional sample of 701 youths (aged 18.27 ± 1.57 years, 16-20 years old, 47.6% male, Chinese), participants completed validated self-report scales. A regularized Gaussian graphical model was estimated to identify conditional associations and central nodes. Bootstrapped exploratory graph analysis was used to detect communities, and a PC-algorithm-based directed acyclic graph (DAG) was used to explore potential directional associations.

RESULTS: Compared with non-SMA individuals, youths with SMA reported higher depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness, and lower life satisfaction, social support, resilience, and self-efficacy (p < 0.05). The strongest edges were self-efficacy-resilience (weight = 0.47) and depression-anxiety (weight = 0.42), SMA was most strongly linked to stress (0.23). Anxiety (Expected Influence = 0.80) and depression (EI = 0.77) showed the highest centrality with good stability. The DAG suggested potential directional pathways from SMA to stress and depression, stress was statistically associated with subsequent nodes of depression and loneliness.

CONCLUSIONS: SMA is embedded within a tightly connected cluster of negative mental health factors and diminished positive resources. Stress and depression appear to be key pathways from SMA to broader psychopathology, highlighting intervention targets (stress regulation and depression management) alongside strengthening mental health promotion in SMA youths in the future.

PMID:42185874 | DOI:10.1186/s40359-026-04824-8