Nevin Manimala

J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2025;42:46. doi: 10.12701/jyms.2025.42.46. Epub 2025 Aug 27.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to document the patterns, challenges, and opportunities for biobank utilization within the Female Breast and Genital Disease with Microbiome Biobank Network (FDMNet) in South Korea. Annual surveys (2022-2024) assessed researcher awareness, utilization patterns, barriers to access, research requirements, and interest in microbiome research.

METHODS: Online questionnaires were distributed to staff members at five university hospitals participating in FDMNet. Data from 155 respondents across 3 years were analyzed using descriptive statistics for quantitative data. Qualitative feedback was examined using Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection and natural language processing to identify the thematic clusters of user challenges.

RESULTS: Despite high engagement with biobank resources (76% of the respondents), declining participation rates and interinstitutional collaborations were observed, particularly in 2024, amid the nationwide healthcare crisis. The major barriers to utilization included complex access procedures (31.0%), lack of process knowledge (23.9%), and concerns about Institutional Review Board approval (11.6%). Breast neoplasms (12.3%) and female genital neoplasms (11.0%) were the primary research interests, with blood (24.5%) and tissue (23.9%) samples being the most requested specimens. Most respondents (66.5%) expressed interest in microbiome research but reported insufficient knowledge.

CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the need for streamlined access procedures, improved researcher education, enhanced clinical data integration, and stronger governance structures to overcome existing barriers to biobank utilization. These insights can guide strategic improvements in biobank operations and resource allocation to serve the evolving needs of the research community better.

PMID:40874384 | DOI:10.12701/jyms.2025.42.46

Dent Traumatol. 2025 Aug 28. doi: 10.1111/edt.70014. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: Tooth fracture is one of the most common complications of dental trauma, which needs to be addressed on an emergency basis. The pressing demand for reliable information has prompted both professionals and laypersons to turn to video-sharing platforms like YouTube and Vimeo for guidance regarding the management of tooth fractures among local users. These platforms have emerged as significant sources for advice on dental emergencies; however, the trustworthiness and precision of the information provided have not been thoroughly examined. This research sought to evaluate the quality, accuracy, and reliability of videos on YouTube and Vimeo that address the management of tooth fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search was conducted on YouTube and Vimeo between November 11, 2024, and February 27, 2025, using terms related to the management of tooth or dental fractures, and 92 videos were included for analysis. Demographic information for the videos, including platform, length, category, upload date, number of likes, and comments, was documented. The assessment of video content quality, reliability, and accuracy was conducted utilizing the Global Quality Scale (GQS), benchmarks from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), and the Video Information and Quality Index (VIQI).

RESULTS: In total, 92 videos were examined. The average scores were JAMA: 3 ± 1, modified DISCERN: 53 ± 11, GQS: 3 ± 1, and VIQI: 5 ± 1. Statistically significant differences were observed across video types in key parameters such as the DISCERN score (YouTube: p = 0.002; Vimeo: p < 0.001), JAMA benchmark (YouTube: p = 0.045; Vimeo: p = 0.002), GQS, VIQI, and overall video evaluation (p < 0.001), emphasizing that video format, video posted, target audience, and platform influence educational impact. With the highest mean views (983,441) and significantly elevated DISCERN (63 ± 9) and JAMA scores (3 ± 1), actual procedure videos exemplify strong informational reliability and public trust.

CONCLUSION: The research indicates that, although the majority of the videos on managing tooth fractures are produced by dental professionals, their overall quality is subpar. This highlights the potential dangers of relying on misleading or insufficient information in these important circumstances.

PMID:40874374 | DOI:10.1111/edt.70014

Biometrics. 2025 Jul 3;81(3):ujaf105. doi: 10.1093/biomtc/ujaf105.

ABSTRACT

Assessment of multistate disease progression is commonplace in biomedical research, such as in periodontal disease (PD). However, the presence of multistate current status endpoints, where only a single snapshot of each subject’s progression through disease states is available at a random inspection time after a known starting state, complicates the inferential framework. In addition, these endpoints can be clustered, and spatially associated, where a group of proximally located teeth (within subjects) may experience similar PD status, compared to those distally located. Motivated by a clinical study recording PD progression, we propose a Bayesian semiparametric accelerated failure time model with an inverse-Wishart proposal for accommodating (spatial) random effects, and flexible errors that follow a Dirichlet process mixture of Gaussians. For clinical interpretability, the systematic component of the event times is modeled using a monotone single index model, with the (unknown) link function estimated via a novel integrated basis expansion and basis coefficients endowed with constrained Gaussian process priors. In addition to establishing parameter identifiability, we present scalable computing via a combination of elliptical slice sampling, fast circulant embedding techniques, and smoothing of hard constraints, leading to straightforward estimation of parameters, and state occupation and transition probabilities. Using synthetic data, we study the finite sample properties of our Bayesian estimates and their performance under model misspecification. We also illustrate our method via application to the real clinical PD dataset.

PMID:40874356 | DOI:10.1093/biomtc/ujaf105

Biometrics. 2025 Jul 3;81(3):ujaf112. doi: 10.1093/biomtc/ujaf112.

ABSTRACT

An optimal experimental design is a structured data collection plan aimed at maximizing the amount of information gathered. Determining an optimal experimental design, however, relies on the assumption that a predetermined model structure, relating the response and covariates, is known a priori. In practical scenarios, such as dose-response modeling, the form of the model representing the “true” relationship is frequently unknown, although there exists a finite set or pool of potential alternative models. Designing experiments based on a single model from this set may lead to inefficiency or inadequacy if the “true” model differs from that assumed when calculating the design. One approach to minimize the impact of the uncertainty in the model on the experimental plan is known as model robust design. In this context, we systematically address the challenge of finding approximate optimal model robust experimental designs. Our focus is on locally optimal designs, so allowing some of the models in the pool to be nonlinear. We present three Semidefinite Programming-based formulations, each aligned with one of the classes of model robustness criteria introduced by Läuter. These formulations exploit the semidefinite representability of the robustness criteria, leading to the representation of the robust problem as a semidefinite program. To ensure comparability of information measures across various models, we employ standardized designs. To illustrate the application of our approach, we consider a dose-response study where, initially, seven models were postulated as potential candidates to describe the dose-response relationship.

PMID:40874355 | DOI:10.1093/biomtc/ujaf112

Cancer Control. 2025 Jan-Dec;32:10732748251371479. doi: 10.1177/10732748251371479. Epub 2025 Aug 28.

ABSTRACT

IntroductionCancer is a significant worldwide health problem, and targeted drugs like Cabozantinib and Atezolizumab offer new therapeutic options. These drugs enhance patient survival by specifically targeting cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. The current research investigates the effectiveness of employing the combination of Cabozantinib and Atezolizumab vs single-agent Cabozantinib.MethodsIn this study, we searched databases including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science up to the end of January 2025. The results were categorized into two groups: the intervention group (Cabozantinib plus Atezolizumab) and the control group (Cabozantinib monotherapy) in cancer patients. We evaluated variables such as efficacy outcomes, including Objective Response Rate (ORR) and Disease Control Rate (DCR), as well as adverse events (safety). Data analysis was performed using random-effects models, and Relative Risk (RR) was reported as the effect size.ResultsThree clinical trials were included in this study. Regarding efficacy outcomes, there was no statistically significant difference in ORR between the intervention group and the control group (RR = 1.11, 95% CI: 0.76-1.61). Similarly, DCR did not differ significantly between groups (RR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.94-1.03). In terms of safety, the combination therapy was associated with a statistically significant reduction in four treatment-related adverse events: diarrhea (RR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.83-0.99), nausea (RR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.65-0.95), vomiting (RR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.52-0.96), and hypokalemia (RR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.19-0.40).ConclusionThe findings suggest that the combination of Cabozantinib and Atezolizumab does not offer significant improvement in treatment efficacy compared to Cabozantinib alone. However, the combination may be associated with a lower incidence of certain chemotherapy-related adverse events. These exploratory findings may inform future research on treatment strategies for patients who experience intolerance to Cabozantinib monotherapy.

PMID:40874322 | DOI:10.1177/10732748251371479

Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2025 Aug 28:e013793. doi: 10.1161/CIRCEP.125.013793. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Identification of fast ventricular tachycardia (FVT; cycle length <320 ms) isthmuses is often hindered by hemodynamic instability during sustained FVT and by rate-dependent (functional) scar properties. Comparing ultra-high-density voltage heterogeneity maps (0.1-1.5 mV) of the scar area during sinus rhythm (SR) and FVT may delineate the rate-dependent components of the FVT isthmus (FVTI) and improve substrate identification during SR.

METHODS: Thirty Large White swine with anterior myocardial infarction underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for signal intensity mapping, followed by electrophysiological studies at 4 and 16 weeks post-infarction. FVTIs were defined as corridors of high-frequency electrograms spanning electric diastole and completing reentrant circuits in activation maps. Voltage heterogeneity mapping during FVT and SR was performed to identify voltage channels and delineate functional substrate. Statistical comparisons were performed using the Student t test, with data presented as mean±SD.

RESULTS: Sixty ventricular tachycardias were induced, including 27 monomorphic episodes with a cycle length ≤ 320 ms. Of these, 25 exhibited reentrant activation with identifiable FVTI. All FVTIs were housed within channels identified in voltage heterogeneity maps during FVT and signal intensity maps; 22 of 25 (88%) colocalized with a channel visible in SR voltage maps. Comparing FVT and SR voltage maps revealed that (1) dense scar area (<0.1 mV) was larger in FVT than in SR maps (1.5±0.3 versus 0.1±0.2 cm², P<0.001), (2) voltage channels sustaining FVTI in FVT were longer than in SR (18.7±7.1 versus 14.6±6.1 mm, P=0.047), and (3) while all channels in FVT maps were bordered by dense scar (<0.1 mV), only 4 in SR exhibited this feature, indicating a functional substrate in 84% of FVTIs.

CONCLUSIONS: FVTIs are located within channels identified in voltage heterogeneity maps during SR and FVT. These channels colocalize with heterogeneous tissue channels in signal intensity maps. Comparative analysis of SR and FVT voltage maps enables delineation of functional borders.

PMID:40874305 | DOI:10.1161/CIRCEP.125.013793

J Sports Sci. 2025 Aug 28:1-3. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2025.2541479. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40874293 | DOI:10.1080/02640414.2025.2541479

J Evid Based Soc Work (2019). 2025 Aug 28:1-14. doi: 10.1080/26408066.2025.2553840. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study investigates the relationships between living with sports (sport-oriented lifestyle), impulsivity, and attitudes toward working life among social welfare professionals in Türkiye, with a specific focus on the mediating role of impulsivity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional quantitative research design was employed, collecting data from 1,534 participants aged 18 and older via an online survey. The majority of the sample consisted of women (67.2%), with a mean age of 28.96 years. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS for preliminary statistics and IBM AMOS for confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM).

RESULTS: Living with sports was negatively associated with impulsivity (β = -0.072, p < .05) and positively associated with attitudes toward working life (β = 0.064, p < .05). Impulsivity was negatively related to attitudes toward working life (β = -0.185, p < .001) and significantly mediated the relationship between living with sports and work attitudes (β = 0.013, p < .05). The model accounted for 5.5% of the variance in impulsivity and 4.4% in attitudes toward working life.

DISCUSSION: The study results suggest that a lifestyle enriched by regular sports participation can reduce impulsive tendencies and support the development of more positive work attitudes among social welfare professionals.

CONCLUSION: This study provides novel empirical evidence on the triadic relationship between sport-oriented lifestyle, impulsivity, and work attitudes. It highlights the importance of integrating sport-based activities into organizational strategies to support emotional regulation, well-being, and sustainable professional engagement in social services.

PMID:40874284 | DOI:10.1080/26408066.2025.2553840

Recenti Prog Med. 2025 Sep;116(9):513-521. doi: 10.1701/4556.45575.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The global increase in caesarean section (CS) rates raises concerns about maternal and neonatal outcomes. Italy, with one of the highest CS rates in Europe, especially in the Calabria Region, faces challenges in reducing this trend. The Calabria Region has joined the “Easy-Net” Network Program (NET-2016-02364191) for the evaluation of audit & feedback (A&F) interventions to reduce CS rate. This study aims to analyze past trends, describe maternity unit (MU) characteristics, and provide a baseline assessment of CS rates using the Robson’s Ten Group Classification System (TGCS).

METHODS: This population-based cross-sectional study analyses CS rates using data from National and Regional Birth Registers, categorizing women with the Robson’s TGCS.

RESULTS: From 2017 to 2020, 54,041 births were registered in the Calabria Region. The results reveal a fluctuating CS rate (36.2%-38.1%) with variations from different Robson groups. Group 5 (previous CS) consistently increased, impacting overall rates, while Group 1 (nulliparous, cephalic, spontaneous labor) decreased. The groups 2b (6.8%-4.8%) and 4b (2.5%-1.8%), which represent respectively nulliparous and multiparous women with pre-labour CS, showed high rates despite their reduction over the years. In 2020, variations in CS rates across 11 MUs highlighted complexities, emphasizing the need for localized interventions.

CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the critical issue of high CS rates in the Calabria Region. It is advisable to monitor and reduce unnecessary CSs through evidence-based interventions, taking advantage of the Robson classification and an A&F strategy. These findings guide future efforts to enhance CS appropriateness and improve maternal and child health outcomes.

PMID:40874272 | DOI:10.1701/4556.45575

Research (Wash D C). 2025 Aug 26;8:0852. doi: 10.34133/research.0852. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Abrupt shifts, referred to as critical transitions, are frequently observed in complex biological systems, characterized by marked qualitative changes occurring from one stable state to another through a pre-transitional/critical state. Pinpointing such critical states, along with the signaling molecules, can provide valuable insights into the fundamental mechanisms of intricate biological processes. However, the identification and early warning of the critical state remains a challenge, particularly in model-free cases with high-dimensional single-cell data, where traditional statistical methods often prove inadequate due to the inherent sparsity, noise, and heterogeneity of the data. In this study, we propose a novel quantitative method, cell-specific causal network entropy (CCNE), to infer the specific causal network for each cell and quantify dynamic causal changes, thereby enabling the identification of critical states in complex biological processes at the single-cell level. We validated the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed approach through numerical simulations and 5 distinct real-world single-cell datasets. Compared to existing methods for detecting critical states, the proposed CCNE exhibits enhanced effectiveness in identifying critical transition signals. Moreover, CCNE score is a computational tool for distinguishing temporal changes in cellular heterogeneity and demonstrates satisfactory performance in clustering cells over time. In addition, the reliability of CCNE is further emphasized through the functional enrichment and pathway analysis of signaling molecules.

PMID:40874247 | PMC:PMC12379065 | DOI:10.34133/research.0852