Category: Nevin Manimala

Commun Med (Lond). 2025 Jul 31;5(1):326. doi: 10.1038/s43856-025-01059-3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Clinical and genetic studies have implicated lipid dysfunction in Alzheimer Disease (AD) pathogenesis. While the etiologic impact of lipid intake on individuals is receiving attention, the role of food systems in shaping community-level incidence remains uncharacterized.

METHODS: Mean country-level lipid intakes were compared to Age-Standardized Alzheimer-and-other-Dementia Incidence Rates (ASAIR) in 183 countries across all inhabited continents. Free-knot penalized spline regression and multivariable-adjusted linear regression, including a lag between intake and incidence, were used to assess the relationships between five lipid intakes and ASAIR. Validation was conducted using longitudinal within-country changes between 1990 and 2019.

RESULTS: Here we show that omega-6 Polyunsaturated-Fatty-Acid (omega-6) intake exhibits a positive linear relationship with ASAIR (multivariable-adjusted model: β = 2.44; 95%CI: 1.70, 3.19; p = 1.38 × 10^-9). ASAIR also increases with saturated-fat, trans-fat, and dietary-cholesterol up to a threshold. The association between omega6-PUFA and ASAIR is confirmed using longitudinal intake changes. The scale of predicted benefits varies by country but, our results predict a 2 standard deviation decrease (-3.8% as a percent of daily energy intake) in omega-6 intake would reduce ASAIR by 8% in the US. This level of consumption has already been achieved in 20 countries. If our other findings are validated in future work, decreasing all four lipids could potentially yield large ASAIR reductions (in the US: a 35% decrease).

CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of omega-6 consumption associate with increased ASAIR. Thus, decreasing omega-6 consumption on the country-level may have substantial benefits in reducing the burden of dementia.

PMID:40745374 | DOI:10.1038/s43856-025-01059-3

Sci Rep. 2025 Jul 30;15(1):27830. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-13599-8.

ABSTRACT

Delay discounting (DD), the preference for smaller, immediate rewards over larger, delayed ones, is a key measure of temporal impulsivity. While its link to behavioral self-regulation is well-studied, the relationship with emotional self-regulation is less understood. This study explored this relationship and its neuroanatomical mediators in the brain’s reward system. We administered the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) and a DD task to 155 young adult college students and collected structural MRI data. Our data revealed that greater use of cognitive reappraisal as an emotion regulation strategy was significantly associated with lower DD rates (i.e., reduced temporal impulsivity). No such relationship was found for expressive suppression. Furthermore, mediation analysis showed that higher cognitive reappraisal scores were associated with lower gray matter volume in the left ventral striatum, which in turn predicted lower DD. While the pattern of results is statistically consistent with full mediation, the cross-sectional nature of our data precludes causal inference. In conclusion, these results identify a novel neuroanatomical mechanism for temporal impulsivity. They suggest that cognitive reappraisal helps control impulsive choice and the process is mediated by the ventral striatum. This may provide a useful biomarker for developing interventions to improve self-control.

PMID:40745372 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-13599-8

Sci Rep. 2025 Jul 31;15(1):27940. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-11992-x.

ABSTRACT

Rainfall erosivity is a key dynamic factor of water erosion estimation, with a significant spatial and temporal variation. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the spatial patterns and monthly distribution of rainfall erosivity across India, using data from 261 hourly and 2,525 monthly rainfall stations covering the period from 1969 to 2021. In India, monthly rainfall erosivity and related attributes-such as the kinetic energy of erosive rainfall, the number of erosive events, and peak hourly rainfall intensity-have been systematically examined for the first time. Monthly erosivity estimates derived from hourly data were linked with monthly rainfall, enabling a simplified and efficient estimation approach. To predict monthly erosivity based on rainfall, temperature, and topographic variables, we developed and evaluated three modeling approaches: linear regression, a machine learning-based XGBoost model, and an ensemble model. XGBoost outperformed the others, achieving a median coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.97, while the ensemble model also performed well with a median R² of 0.96. Additionally, a Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) approach was applied for spatial interpolation, yielding accurate high-resolution erosivity maps with a median R² of 0.90. The results also demonstrate that erosivity peaks during the summer monsoon months (June to September), with July exhibiting the highest value due to intense rainfall and high kinetic energy. Notably, the analysis revealed that nearly 32% of India experiences monthly erosivity exceeding 2,000 MJ mm ha^-1 h^-1 month^-1 in July alone. In contrast, non-monsoon months showed considerably lower erosivity levels across most of the country. A statistically significant long-term increase was detected in January, with an average rise of +0.86 MJ mm ha^-1 h^-1 month^-1 in total erosivity and + 0.1 mm h^-1 in maximum 60-min rainfall intensity annually. While acknowledging certain limitations, this study provides valuable insights into erosive rainfall characteristics, enhances rain-driven erosion assessment, and supports the development of timely and location-specific soil conservation strategies across India.

PMID:40745366 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-11992-x

Sci Rep. 2025 Jul 31;15(1):28014. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-13434-0.

ABSTRACT

As the sixth complication of diabetes, periodontitis interacts with diabetes to form a vicious circle. Periodontal health interventions can improve periodontal health and the quality of life in older patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to explore the effect of periodontal health interventions based on the Pender Health Promotion Model on periodontal outcome index and quality of life in this patient population. This randomized controlled trial enrolled 108 patients with T2DM from the endocrine and metabolism department of a tertiary hospital. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. The control group received routine diabetes health education and periodontal health-related knowledge education, they were general diabetes management and standard dental hygiene instructions. While the experimental group underwent a periodontal health intervention program in addition to the routine health interventions, it focuses on a combination of individualized and targeted comprehensive assessments, professional training, patient education, and behavioral interventions. Relevant outcome measures were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention. The main outcomes were oral hygiene-related measures, including dental plaque, debris and calculus conditions, the secondary outcomes included subjective assessment of oral health and self-assessment of knowledge, attitude and behavior. Demographic questionnaires, Plaque Index (PLI), Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), Periodontal Health Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior Questionnaire, as well as the Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S) (including Debris Index-Simplified (DI-S) and the Calculus Index-Simplified (CI-S)) were used to collect data. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square tests, Fisher’s exact tests, and SPSS software version 27. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all tests. Following the intervention, significant differences were identified between the groups in PLI, OHI-S, and Periodontal Health Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in GOHAI scores between the groups (P > 0.05). Based on the results of this study, it can effectively prevent the occurrence or progression of periodontitis, as well as enhance periodontal health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors while positively impacting the oral health index and quality of life of older patients with T2DM. This approach holds significant value in medical practice and provides strong support for the widespread promotion of periodontal health maintenance strategies.

PMID:40745361 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-13434-0

Neurol Res Pract. 2025 Jul 31;7(1):55. doi: 10.1186/s42466-025-00406-y.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Strokes are often accompanied by physical and cognitive impairments affecting driving safety. After the recommended period of abstinence from driving, the patient must decide whether his or her driving safety is still impaired, which requires a valid self-assessment of the own driving skills. At present, it is uncertain whether stroke survivors are able to provide a valid self-assessment.

METHODS: 12 stroke patients and 17 healthy controls participated in this prospective longitudinal on-road study. All participants underwent repeated neuropsychological and standardized on-road assessment at 4-month intervals (2 and 6 months after the stroke in the patient group). Statistical analyses included repeated measures ANOVA, group comparisons and correlation analyses.

RESULTS: Our results revealed that in stroke survivors compared to healthy drivers, the validity of self-assessment (VSA) of the own on-road driving performance is impaired in the direction of overestimation (at both time points). In addition, the VSA of stroke survivors at second time point correlated with driving-relevant cognitive and non-cognitive measures.

DISCUSSION: Our results suggest that the VSA of the own driving competence is impaired after stroke. Other than expected, the differences between stroke survivors and healthy drivers did not disappear within the 4-months-interval. Consequently, an impaired VSA in stroke survivors must be considered before deciding to let them drive again.

PMID:40745347 | DOI:10.1186/s42466-025-00406-y

Arch Public Health. 2025 Jul 31;83(1):199. doi: 10.1186/s13690-025-01687-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This quantitative study engaged volunteer participants and a scavenger hunt application with the purpose of collecting photographic data of the breadth and scope of violations of the World Health Organization’s Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (“the Code”) and subsequent World Health Assembly Resolutions, in four industrialized countries- the United States (“U.S.”), Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom (“U.K.”). These four countries do not have or do not adequately enforce their related polices or laws. A secondary goal was to provide evidence to inform national strategic planning efforts related to the marketing practices of manufacturers and distributors of breast-milk substitutes (BMS).

METHODS: Participants had to be residents of either the U.S., Australia, Canada or the U.K., and had to be 18 years old at minimum. They were recruited via social media, conference attendance and professional networks. Participants completed a demographic survey and downloaded the scavenger hunt application onto their mobile devices. The application directed participants to fulfill as many of the thirty total “missions,” which were provided by the research team, by uploading photographic evidence of images that they believed were examples of breaches of the Code. Data collection occurred from July 19, 2023 through July 31, 2024. The research team assessed, recategorized and calculated the numbers of participant submissions after the data collection phase. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software was utilized to conduct descriptive statistics, including Pearson’s chi-squared and residuals.

RESULTS: In total, 738 individuals were eligible and consented to participation in the study. Of those individuals, 323 continued on to the scavenger hunt application. After evaluation by the research team to assess if participant submissions were submitted under the appropriate “mission” within the application, and then if their submission qualified as a true violation of the Code, 138 submitted violations were verified and included in the analysis. Key findings include the prevalence of digital marketing violations across all four countries, false, unsubstantiated marketing claims on BMS, a lack of key instructions on the preparation, handling and storage on labels of infant formula products and the marketing violations of BMS in healthcare facilities.

CONCLUSIONS: Breaches of the Code are prevalent across the U.S., the U.K., Australia and Canada and expose the public to misleading marketing tactics. To safeguard breastfeeding from exploitative digital marketing practices, countries must legislate the Code into national law and commit to its implementation through advocacy, policy and enactment.

PMID:40745340 | DOI:10.1186/s13690-025-01687-0

Virol J. 2025 Jul 31;22(1):264. doi: 10.1186/s12985-025-02858-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer (CC) is a serious health issue, especially in low- and middle-income countries, primarily caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly genotypes 16 and 18. Other risk factors include smoking, early sexual activity, and long-term oral contraceptive use. Early detection through cervical cytology and HPV testing is vital for effective prevention.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in HPV-positive women at a Tehran teaching hospital, focusing on HPV genotypes and their association with CIN.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of HPV-positive women who underwent Pap smear testing, HPV genotyping via real-time PCR, and colposcopy with biopsies of suspected lesions. Risk factors like smoking and alcohol consumption were evaluated, and statistical analyses were performed, including ordinal logistic regression.

RESULTS: Among participants, 52.4% had abnormal CIN: CIN I (31.1%), CIN II (11.4%), and CIN III (10.0%). HPV-16 was the most prevalent genotype (43.7%), significantly associated with severe CIN outcomes (odds ratio [OR] = 2.88, 95% CI), followed by HPV-18 (OR = 1.87, 95% CI). Smoking increased the risk of severe CIN (OR = 1.53, 95% CI), while older age and later age at sexual debut correlated with better CIN outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: HPV-16 and smoking are major predictors of severe CIN, highlighting the need for targeted interventions such as HPV vaccination and smoking cessation, along with regular screenings to lower cervical cancer risks. Additional research is required to evaluate the persistence of different HPV genotypes and their progression to CIN and cervical cancer.”

PMID:40745336 | DOI:10.1186/s12985-025-02858-9

BMC Psychol. 2025 Jul 31;13(1):852. doi: 10.1186/s40359-025-03190-1.

ABSTRACT

Leisure activities promote people interaction, improving relationships. Young people live in a process of psychological and physiological development, and competitiveness and cooperativeness, two elements of analysis in social relations, are important among young people who are shaping their social development. To explore the relationship among leisure interest and self-consideration of competitiveness and cooperativeness of young university students, we performed a survey using a designed and validated questionnaire containing statements for students to indicate their interest in leisure activities. Data were statistically processed using ad hoc scripts, Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated, and P-values were obtained from paired individual data, using a t-distribution with N-2 degrees of freedom. We found that interest in board games, videogames, sport, and music listening is high for the majority of the students, in contrast with interest of reading. Students interested in board games have some interest in video games and reading, without any correlation with sports and a negative correlation with music. The high interest shown correlates well with a high consideration of being a competitive and a cooperative person but with a distinguishable concentration on higher values for cooperativeness than for competitiveness.

PMID:40745332 | DOI:10.1186/s40359-025-03190-1

Int J Equity Health. 2025 Jul 31;24(1):215. doi: 10.1186/s12939-025-02568-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Fighting illness and poverty are intertwined objectives in global development. In recent decades, health financing reforms across many nations have enhanced financial protection for low-income populations and promoted health equity for all citizens. However, prior cross-national comparative studies predominantly focused on examining financing structures or social health insurance (SHI) schemes, neglecting financing schemes targeting the poor, such as medical financial assistance (MFA). This study comparatively explores the design of health financing schemes and financial protection outcomes for low-income populations across six societies in East Asia: mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.

METHODS: We assess the design of health financing schemes from the dimensions of income-based eligibility, population coverage, and benefit generosity. Policy information was collected from official websites and policy reports. To compare financial protection outcomes, we derived the data through the “model family approach” and jurisdiction-level statistics and simulated catastrophic health spending of lung cancer for individuals across four income levels: (1) no income; (2) earning minimum wage; (3) earning half the national/regional average wage; and (4) earning the national/regional average wage.

RESULTS: We find that health financing schemes in Taiwan and Hong Kong are generous and inclusive for general populations, while Japan, South Korea, and Singapore’s financing schemes are protective and offer relatively generous benefits for vulnerable groups. In contrast, mainland China provides limited benefits in SHI and MFA schemes. Health financing schemes reduce the financial burden to varying degrees, with Taiwan, Hong Kong, and South Korea providing financial protection for low-income populations to a higher degree, followed by Japan, Singapore, and mainland China. Notably, our findings highlight inequities for individuals earning half the average wage in Singapore, mainland China, and Japan (and to a lesser extent in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Korea), as these groups face higher risks of catastrophic health spending compared to other income groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings further the understanding of health financing designs in East Asia. We also provide evidence for governments to enhance financial protection for low-income populations, particularly near-poor groups, to achieve more equitable health financing arrangements.

PMID:40745326 | DOI:10.1186/s12939-025-02568-2

Parasit Vectors. 2025 Jul 31;18(1):312. doi: 10.1186/s13071-025-06816-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Since its emergence in Georgia in 2007, the seasonal pattern of African swine fever virus (ASFV) genotype II outbreaks in European pig populations has been evident. It is hypothesized that summer-related farming practices, along with the increased activity and abundance of arthropod vectors during warmer months, contribute to the increased incidence of these outbreaks during this period. This study investigated the potential role of stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans) and biting midges of the genus Culicoides as mechanical vectors of ASFV. In addition, the potential distribution and abundance of different species of Culicoides biting midges on pig farms was investigated.

METHODS: From August 2021 to August 2023, vector surveillance was conducted as part of a case-control study on 42 outbreak farms and 70 control farms across Romania, Lithuania, and Poland. Collected insect specimens were pooled and tested for ASFV DNA using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTS: A total of 8604 biting midges of the genus Culicoides specimens and 742 S. calcitrans flies were collected, with ASF DNA detected in 27 out of 1219 insect pools. Positive pools were predominantly observed in Culicoides punctatus, C. newsteadi, and the Obsoletus complex, with most detections occurring in August. However, ASFV isolation was unsuccessful. Statistical analyses revealed no significant association between farm status (outbreak versus control) and ASFV DNA detection in pools of biting midges of the genus Culicoides, likely due to limited sample size. Additionally, two ASFV-positive S. calcitrans pools were identified, supporting their potential role as mechanical vehicles for ASFV. The findings highlight the affinity of C. punctatus, C. newsteadi, and the Obsoletus complex and S. calcitrans for pig farms – an aspect that was previously undocumented. This association may increase the likelihood of ASFV acquisition and dissemination by these species. Environmental factors, such as pig farm density and proximity to other hosts, likely influence this risk.

CONCLUSIONS: These results emphasize the importance of vector control strategies, including insect netting, to mitigate ASFV transmission risks. Further research is needed to understand the dynamics of ASFV infection in arthropods. Notably, this study also reports the first identification of Culicoides riethi and Culicoides salinarius in Lithuania.

PMID:40745323 | DOI:10.1186/s13071-025-06816-w