Nevin Manimala

Matern Child Health J. 2025 May 17. doi: 10.1007/s10995-025-04103-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to estimate the maternal knowledge and practice levels regarding neonatal umbilical cord care and their associated factors in different provinces of Pakistan.

METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from the respondents. Multistage sampling techniques were carried out for this study. Semi-structured questionnaire was designed for collection of data after acquiring ethical approval and informed consent. Descriptive statistics were carried out by taking frequencies and percentages of the collected data and associated factors were analyzed by applying chi-square test at the p value of < 0.05.

RESULTS: 245 (65.3%) of the respondents had poor knowledge levels about umbilical cord care and 220 (58.7%) respondents practiced poor cord care. More than half of the respondents had poor knowledge. 285 (76%) about the usage of chlorhexidine (CHX) on the cord for seven consecutive days. Some conventional and unhygienic practices were also recorded in this study. More than half of the mothers used cord clamps for tying the cord 245 (65.3%) followed by tailor’s threads 77 (20.5%). The associated factors including parity, occupation and income were not showing statistically significant results at the p value of < 0.05 except for place of delivery (*p = 0.01), (*p = 0.005) and educational status (*p = 0.04), (*p = 0.03), which are showing statistically significant results.

CONCLUSION: Paucity in both knowledge and practices of umbilical cord care were observed among mothers attending postnatal care in the hospitals. Programs need to be initiated for the improvement of knowledge of UCC and discouragement of unhygienic practices.

PMID:40381154 | DOI:10.1007/s10995-025-04103-9

Obes Surg. 2025 May 17. doi: 10.1007/s11695-025-07926-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a worldwide epidemic and is pervasive in the liver disease community. Given that liver disease is both caused and worsened by obesity, our study assesses the risks of bariatric surgery in patients with chronic liver disease.

METHODS: This retrospective study using the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program 2023 database includes adult patients who underwent minimally invasive sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, or gastric band placement procedures. Liver disease (LD) includes a spectrum of severity (borderline to moderate) and etiologies (including steatosis). LD and non-liver disease (non-LD) cohorts were compared using Chi-square and t-tests. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression.

RESULTS: Our sample of 201,605 patients included 22,476 (11.2%) LD and 179,129 (88.9%) non-LD patients. Overall mean body mass index was 44.68 kg/m² (SD 7.86). The mortality rates were no different between groups (0.07% and 0.07%, p = 0.85). While multivariate subset analyses of each procedure showed a statistically slightly elevated risk of bleeding, infection, bowel obstruction, Clavien-Dindo I-III complications, and ICU admission for the liver group patients (odds ratios ranged from 1.42-1.76), rates of complications were clinically very low (3.1% and 0.8% for Clavien-Dindo I-III and IV).

CONCLUSION: Given the low 30-day complication rate, our study shows that in the appropriate candidates with mild-to-moderate chronic liver disease, minimally invasive bariatric surgery is safe in the short-term, and the documented benefits of weight loss likely outweigh the slightly elevated risk. Bariatric surgeons can feel more comfortable and informed operating in this context.

PMID:40381135 | DOI:10.1007/s11695-025-07926-1

Endocrine. 2025 May 17. doi: 10.1007/s12020-025-04259-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The fibrinogen to albumin ratio (FAR) is a novel inflammatory indicator correlating with the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). An indicator of atherosclerosis is the Castelli Risk Index 2 (CRI-2=LDL-C/HDL-C). Yet, little research has focused on the link between both of indicators and CAD in different glucose metabolic states. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between FAR, CRI-2, and the severity of coronary artery lesions in patients with CAD in different glucose metabolic states.

METHOD: In this investigation, coronary angiography was performed about 2825 individuals suffering from symptomatic CAD at Tianjin Union Medical Center from 2016-2023.The number of stenotic arteries in the coronary arteries was counted. The Gensini scores were taken into account. Normal glucose regulation (NGR), pre-diabetes mellitus (Pre-DM), and diabetes mellitus (DM) were the three categories of glucose status according to the WHO diabetes guidelines. Patients were also divided into FAR index and CRI-2 quartiles to look into the link between FAR index and CRI-2 and coronary artery lesions in CAD patients with different glucose metabolic states. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to analyze the predictive value of the FAR index and CRI-2 for coronary artery lesions.

RESULT: According to logistic regression analysis, the FAR index and CRI-2 were statistically associated with coronary artery disease (P < 0.05). The FAR index was linked with severity of coronary artery lesions regardless of glucose metabolism states (P < 0.05). The CRI-2 was strongly linked with severity of coronary artery lesions in both NGR and DM status (P < 0.05). Yet, there was no statistical significance in Pre-DM states (P > 0.05). The FAR index and CRI-2 exhibited higher regions underneath the ROC curve in forecasting severity of coronary artery lesions.

CONCLUSION: The FAR index and CRI-2 were significantly associated with severity of coronary artery lesions in different glucose metabolic states. FAR index and CRI-2 have predictive value for coronary artery lesions.

PMID:40381131 | DOI:10.1007/s12020-025-04259-y

Biodegradation. 2025 May 17;36(3):46. doi: 10.1007/s10532-025-10143-3.

ABSTRACT

This study assessed the ultimate biodegradation degree of two resins, polyhydroxybutyrate and polylactic acid (PHB and PLA), and three commercial biobased bags (BMAT, BGREEN, and BBEIGE) through the measurement of oxygen consumption in closed respirometers. Activated sludge from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) was used as the inoculum, cellulose was used as the reference material, and five trials were conducted with two different devices under identical conditions, with a 28-day incubation period. The results revealed statistically significant differences in the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) measurements for cellulose, PHB, and PLA between the two devices and within the same devices across different trials. The degree of biodegradation (D_t), calculated as the percentage of theoretical oxygen demand (ThOD), varied depending on the device and trial. For cellulose, D_t ranged from 61 to 93%; for PLA, the maximum Dt was 6%; and for PHB, D_t oscillated between 16 and 72%. These findings highlight the critical importance of carefully selecting the testing equipment, as it significantly influences biodegradation results, in addition to the already known interlaboratory variability caused by the inoculum.

PMID:40381126 | DOI:10.1007/s10532-025-10143-3

Int Ophthalmol. 2025 May 17;45(1):199. doi: 10.1007/s10792-025-03566-7.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The necessity of a specialized ophthalmological assessment following fractures of the zygomaticoorbital (ZMO) complex in an emergency setting is still debated in resource-limited health systems. The primary aim of this study was to determine the incidence and types of ocular and periocular injuries (OPIs) associated with different fracture patterns of the ZMO complex. The secondary aim was to investigate the association between patient- and trauma-specific variables with the different types of OPI and identify high-risk patients for severe OPI.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients with ZMO complex fractures over a seven-year period. All patients underwent a specialized ophthalmic assessment in the ophthalmology clinic within 24 h of initial admission. Visual acuity, extraocular eye movements, and pupillary reaction were examined to determine the type of OPI that occurred. Demographic and medical history data, clinical and radiological findings and specific OPIs were recorded. Demographics, fracture patterns and ophthalmological findings were presented using descriptive statistical analysis. A multivariable analysis was performed to identify associations between predictor factors (etiology of injury, fracture pattern, pre-traumatic ophthalmological conditions, antithrombotic therapy) and OPI severity.

RESULTS: 489 patients with a mean age of 50.88 years and a total of 540 examined eyes met the inclusion criteria. Ground-level fall was the most common etiology of injury. Periocular hematomas (28.99%), subconjunctival hemorrhage (18.65%) and periorbital swelling (15.13%) were the most common ophthalmologic findings. Eye motility disorders (p = 0.0003) and diplopia (p = 0.0019) were significantly more common in isolated orbital wall fractures than in other midface fracture patterns. Chemosis was significantly more common in fractures of the zygomaticoorbital complex (p = 0.0199), while lid tears (p = 0.0470) and open globe injuries (p = 0.0002) were more common in Le Fort fractures. Optic disc hemorrhage occurred significantly more frequently in patients under single antithrombotic therapy (p = 0.0171). Blow from blunt objects and Le Fort fractures were associated with higher rates of severe OPI, while pre-traumatic ophthalmologic conditions and antithrombotic therapy were not.

CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the study, patients who experienced blows from blunt objects and those with Le Fort fractures are at a higher risk for severe OPIs. Early specialized ophthalmological consultation is recommended for patients with zygomatic fractures and orbital involvement, especially for those with visual alterations such as motility disorders and diplopia as well as those taking antithrombotic medication.

PMID:40381119 | DOI:10.1007/s10792-025-03566-7

J Relig Health. 2025 May 17. doi: 10.1007/s10943-025-02338-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The nurses often face moral challenges and conflicts as their duties are performed. In these situations, professional values and religious well-being support their performance within a specific framework and according to defined ethical principles. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of ethics-based program on Iranian nurses’ professional values and religious well-being. This was an experimental study conducted in Hajar and Ayatollah Kashani hospitals in Shahrekord (Iran) in 2019-2020. The participants included 130 nurses who were selected by convenience sampling and randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. The outcome variables were professional values and religious well-being of nurses which measured at the beginning of the study, immediately, and two months after the intervention. Data collection occurred at baseline, immediately and 2 months after the intervention by using The Nurses Professional Values Scale-Revised (NPVS-R) and the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS). The study’s findings revealed a statistically significant difference in mean changes scores related to professional values and religious well-being between the intervention and control groups following the implementation of the intervention. In conclusion, implementation of the ethics-based program can improve the professional values and religious well-being of nurses.

PMID:40381118 | DOI:10.1007/s10943-025-02338-y

Environ Geochem Health. 2025 May 17;47(6):212. doi: 10.1007/s10653-025-02500-1.

ABSTRACT

The chromite-asbestos mining leaves behind tonnes of toxic waste, contaminating nearby agricultural fields with potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Over time, wind and water erosion spread these pollutants, severely impacting the ecosystem, food chain, and human health. This study evaluates the bioaccessible (stomach and intestinal phases) and leachable forms of PTEs, emphasizing the health and dietary risks associated with PTE pollution in this region. The study result indicates that the leachable and bio-accessible PTEs concentrations in agricultural soil, mainly Cr and Ni, were higher in zone 1 (mine tailings dumping area) and zone 2 (tailings contaminated soil) than zone 3 (uncontaminated soil). PTEs content in rice parts, mainly in boiled rice, showed moderate risk in the SAMOE model from Cr (0.011) and Ni (0.013) while in rice (without husk), it indicated high (class 5) dietary risk. The Fuzzy-TOPSIS, artificial neural network, and Monte-Carlo simulation models all demonstrated that Cr was the major contributor to anthropogenic risk. Compared to adults (5.08E-05), children (1.88E-03) were more vulnerable to total carcinogenic risk via ingestion pathway. Machine learning methods have been implemented to forecast the effects of leachable PTEs on soil-rice systems and possible health hazards associated with consuming food from the chromite-asbestos waste-contaminated zone. The survey-based Fuzzy-DEMATEL technique also showed that consumption of starch and cooked rice were the most crucial factors influencing the population’s health risk. Overall, the implications of the statistical model may aid in assessing potential health hazards and enhancing regulations for ecosystem preservation.

PMID:40381117 | DOI:10.1007/s10653-025-02500-1

Acta Parasitol. 2025 May 17;70(3):110. doi: 10.1007/s11686-025-01043-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitism remains a critical challenge in livestock health management, particularly in tropical regions where environmental conditions favor parasite proliferation. This study conducted an 8-year retrospective analysis (2017-2024) of GI parasites in dairy cattle across 11 districts in Bangladesh.

METHODS: Data were sourced from a private veterinary diagnostic laboratory, with a focus on the prevalence, types, and trends of GI parasites as well as associated risk factors. GI parasites were identified using different coproscopic methods including direct smear, flotation, and sedimentation. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive analysis, followed by Poisson regression.

RESULTS: The most prevalent parasites identified were Schistosoma spp. (57.3%) and Paramphistomum spp. (22.6%), with notable peaks in prevalence during the years 2019 (65%) and 2021 (62%) for Schistosoma spp. and in 2017 (32%) for Paramphistomum spp. Other parasites, such as Balantidium (B.) coli, presented a lower but consistent prevalence (9.8%), whereas Fasciola spp. and Haemonchus spp. were identified less frequently. The analysis revealed that various factors significantly influenced parasite incidence, including seasonal variations, district-specific ecological conditions, and animal-related factors. Statistical analyses, particularly Poisson regression, demonstrated that male cattle (RR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.230-0.401) had a lower risk of infection with Schistosoma spp. than females, whereas regions with abundant water bodies, such as Manikganj (RR: 11.9, 95% CI: 6.801-20.648, p < 0.001), Mymensingh (RR:7.9, 95% CI: 2.243-27.78, p < 0.01), and Narayanganj (RR: 6.6, 95% CI: 3.867-11.177, p < 0.001), presented higher prevalence rates. Seasonal trends revealed increased prevalence rates during the winter (Schistosoma spp.: RR: 1.5, CI: 1.090-1.919, p < 0.05; Paramphistomum spp.: RR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.322-3.299; B. coli: RR: 1.2, 95% CI: 0.672-2.151; and Fasciola spp. RR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.322-4.555), which aligns with periods of more significant water usage and potential exposure to contaminated sources.

CONCLUSION: This study underscores the need for targeted parasite control programs, particularly in high-risk areas, and advocates for improved livestock management practices and regular veterinary interventions to mitigate the economic and health impacts of GI parasites. These findings provide valuable insights for developing tailored parasite management strategies to increase the productivity and well-being of dairy cattle in Bangladesh.

PMID:40381115 | DOI:10.1007/s11686-025-01043-w

Environ Monit Assess. 2025 May 17;197(6):659. doi: 10.1007/s10661-025-14061-y.

ABSTRACT

The problem of human-elephant conflict (HEC) now appears to be one of the greatest challenges in the forest-based mouzas of West Bengal as well as in India. As per the field survey from 2018-2019 to 2020-2021, a total of 277 (16.55%) and 920 (4.21%) mouzas were identified as HEC-affected out of 1674 and 21,832 recognized mouzas in Northern and Southern parts of West Bengal, respectively. Here, the destruction of crops, huts, death and injury of human, livestocks, and even elephants have been increased year after year. Crop-raiding incident is the most common problem among all that occurs during the milky stage and harvesting stage of paddy. Numerous studies have been carried out showing the pattern of HEC incident in some areas of West Bengal, but none of them have tried to identify the HEC risk depending upon crop-raiding incident in this state. Here, it has been tried to examine the mouza-wise HEC risk based on crop-raiding incident in the stated two parts of West Bengal. Two important parameters, the number of crop fields raided and the total number of crop fields present but not raided, were taken into consideration to measure the HEC risk. The result shows that the Jhargram (0.75-0.98), Medinipur (0.68-0.89), and Rupnarayan (0.68-0.89) forest divisions are the highest HEC risk areas in West Bengal. The most dominant factor as determined from the principal component analysis is the lack of fodder and other biological requirements that are one of the basic needs for survival of the elephants within the forest (0.864). The total risk for raiding crop is 3.21 and 2.93 in the two parts of West Bengal. Here, the paddy and vegetables fields are more prone to be raided. Moreover, descriptive statistics were also used to explain the patterns of crop-raiding incidents. The findings may provide a way out for the sustainable management of HEC risk like establishment of micro-habitat, creation of elephant proof trench/electric fences, and rapid plantation of indigenous plant species in the vacant forest areas, thereby helping the policymakers in wildlife conservation.

PMID:40381103 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-025-14061-y

Sleep Breath. 2025 May 17;29(3):187. doi: 10.1007/s11325-025-03339-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is a brief instrument to identify sleep propensity. However, little is known about the psychometric performance of the Spanish version in university students. The study aimed to study the validity and reliability of the ESS in Colombian university students.

METHODS: A psychometric study was designed with 465 students of health-related careers between 18 and 29 years old (M = 20.48, SD = 2.27); 66.67% of the students were women. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted, comparisons of scores between men and women, correlations with insomnia (Athens Insomnia Scale, AIS), anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), and sleep hygiene (SHI-10) and sex differential item functioning as indicators of validity and Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega were calculated as estimators of internal consistency.

RESULTS: The ESS showed a unidimensional structure, similar scores in men and women, statistically significant correlations with AIS, GAD-7, PHQ-9, and SHI-10, without sex differential item functioning, and high internal consistency (Cronabch’s alpha and McDonald’s omega of 0.82).

CONCLUSION: The Spanish version of the ESS presents acceptable validity and reliability indicators in Colombian university students. However, these findings must be corroborated in other samples of Spanish-speaking participants.

PMID:40381086 | DOI:10.1007/s11325-025-03339-7