Nevin Manimala

BMC Psychol. 2025 May 9;13(1):490. doi: 10.1186/s40359-025-02788-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Medical students commonly experience Medical Student Syndrome (MSS), a condition where they compare their vague symptoms to the medical problems and life-threatening diseases they are learning about in medical school, even though their health profile is free. Our research aims to investigate the symptoms of MSS (anxiety-related illness) and hypochondriasis, as well as their impact on the lives of students. Additionally, we aim to study various types of personalities and, finally, investigate the demographic determinants of MSS and their interactions with various personality types among medical students in Egypt in the period between September and December 2023.

METHODS: This analytical cross-sectional study targeted 300 students recruited from the medical field at Zagazig University. The data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire, which consisted of four main components: demographic data, the MSS questionnaire, the personality-type questionnaire, and the MSS’s impact. The collected data was coded and analyzed using R statistical software.

RESULTS: Out of the 300 medical field students recruited, 261 (87.0%) were Egyptian, 164 (54.67%) were female, and 216 (72.0%) were medical students without co-morbidity. 181 (60.33%) were aware of the MSS. Only 11 (3.67%) individuals met all criteria of the DSM-V for anxiety disorder, while 20 (6.67%) individuals met all criteria of the DSM-IV for hypochondriasis. The most common anxiety symptoms were difficulty sleeping (50.00%), lack of productivity or difficulty concentrating (44.0%), and rapid heart rate (31.67%). In terms of personality, being sympathetic and warm received the highest median of 6.00 while being critical and quarrelsome received the lowest median score of 2.00. The health anxiety score significantly negatively correlates with dependable and self-disciplined personality traits, while it significantly positively correlates with anxiety and upset personality traits.

CONCLUSION: Around one-third of the sample experienced preoccupation with fears of having a serious disease, with a trivial number of students meeting the criteria for anxiety disorder or hypochondriasis. More than one-third reported negative impacts on sleep, productivity, concentration, and heart rate. Females, Egyptian students, those from rural areas, and dentistry students had higher anxiety scores, whereas medical students had the lowest scores.

PMID:40346642 | DOI:10.1186/s40359-025-02788-9

Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2025 May 9;22(1):54. doi: 10.1186/s12966-025-01757-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Randomized controlled studies (RCTs) targeting dietary changes may also lead to other, untargeted changes in lifestyle habits, as spillover effects. In particular, the isolated impact of the dietary intervention may be difficult to separate due to spillover effects from changes in physical activity and physical function. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the spillover effect of a one-year dietary intervention in post-surgery colorectal cancer patients by comparing the changes in physical activity and physical function between the diet intervention group and the control group in a randomized controlled trial, called the CRC-NORDIET study.

METHODS: Men and women, aged 50-80 years were randomized into either the intervention group (n = 240) or the control group (n = 229). Both groups received similar incentives on physical activity. Activity sensors were used to collect data on physical activity at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Physical function was estimated by results from handgrip strength, 30 s sit-to-stand test and 6-min walking test. Anthropometric measurements and body composition were also measured.

RESULTS: We found a significantly higher increase in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) of 0.18 h per day from baseline to 6 months in the diet intervention group compared to the control group, respectively. However, the spillover effect of the dietary intervention on physical activity diminished to 0.10 h per day at 12 months follow-up which was not statistically significantly different (p = 0.24) from the control group. All measures of physical function increased in both groups from baseline to 6 months with no further increase at the 12-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS: The dietary intervention did not induce a significant spillover effect on physical activity after 12 months of baseline, which was the main timepoint of the intervention. Providing identical physical activity guidance to both study groups during the 12-month intensive dietary intervention period, ensured comparable levels of physical activity across both study groups. This approach facilitated the isolation and analysis of the dietary intervention’s effects on primary endpoints, as well as effects of behaviour interventions in secondary preventions, such as the CRC-NORDIET study.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study is registered on the National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials website ( www.

CLINICALTRIALS: gov ; Identifier: NCT01570010).

PMID:40346639 | DOI:10.1186/s12966-025-01757-0

BMC Nutr. 2025 May 9;11(1):91. doi: 10.1186/s40795-025-01080-8.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) necessitates greater efforts to find effective therapeutic agents for this complex condition. This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effects of resistant dextrin (RD) supplementation on markers of glucose regulation in patients with T2D.

METHODS: The databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to March 20, 2025 aiming to identify RCTs evaluating the effect of RD supplementation on fasting blood sugar (FBS), fasting insulin levels, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in patients with T2D. The meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model to calculate weighted mean differences (WMDs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The quality of the included RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The outcome data was pooled using Stata software, version 11.2.

RESULTS: Four RCTs (260 participants) were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Meta-analyses indicated that RD supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in HbA1c levels (WMD: -0.30%; 95% CI: -0.56 to -0.03; P = 0.02; I²=0.0%). However, the effect of RD on FBS (WMD: -5.45 mg/dl, 95% CI: -12.38 to 1.93; P = 0.14; I²=55.3%) and fasting insulin levels (Hedges’ g: -0.26; 95% CI: -0.74 to 0.21; P = 0.28; I²=70.4%) was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that RD supplementation may effectively lower HbA1c levels in patients with T2D. However, it is crucial to conduct more clinical studies with adequate sample sizes and rigorous methodologies to develop evidence-based treatment guidelines.

PMID:40346635 | DOI:10.1186/s40795-025-01080-8

Syst Rev. 2025 May 9;14(1):105. doi: 10.1186/s13643-025-02856-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Vaccination is a crucial public health intervention that has significantly reduced the incidence of infectious diseases. Vaccine-related interventions refer to strategies implemented to enhance vaccination uptake, coverage, and effectiveness, like modes of delivery, types or dosages. Despite extensive research on vaccine efficacy, a comprehensive analysis of the variability in vaccine effectiveness across different interventions, settings, and populations is limited. This study aims to systematically review and meta-analyze the impact of various Vaccine-Related Interventions (VRIs).

METHODS: This review included 139 randomized controlled trials, cohort, and case-control studies evaluating VRIs from January 2015 to December 2023. The risk of bias was assessed using the ROB-2 and ROBINS-E tools. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate overall effect sizes, infection rates, and heterogeneity and subgroup analysis.

RESULTS: Of the 139 studies reviewed, 97 were included in the meta-analysis, comprising approximately 1.4 million participants. Populations across various settings were analyzed, with median vaccinated population sizes for the 1st dose (4598, IQR = 15,749), 2nd dose (6214, IQR = 13,817), and 3rd dose (3508, IQR = 5546). The overall total vaccinated population had a median of 4370 and an IQR of 16,475. The interventions showed a significant positive effect on vaccine efficacy, with an estimated effect size of 0.6432 (95% CI 0.4049 to 0.8815). Heterogeneity was negligible, with Tau² = 0, I² = 0.00%, and H² = 1.00. The Galbraith plot suggested minimal variability. The study utilized ROB-2 and ROBINS-E tools to evaluate bias, with Egger’s test (t = – 0.9941, p = 0.3227) confirming no significant publication bias. The funnel plot indicated minimal bias in the included studies.

CONCLUSION: The study supports the effectiveness of vaccine-related interventions in enhancing vaccine efficacy. The negligible heterogeneity and consistent effect sizes across diverse populations and settings provide a robust basis for implementing public health strategies aimed at improving vaccination outcomes.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42024543608.

PMID:40346627 | DOI:10.1186/s13643-025-02856-6

Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2025 May 9;23(1):64. doi: 10.1186/s12958-025-01402-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The PPOS (Progestin Primed Ovarian Stimulation) protocol has been evaluated and has proved its effectiveness in preventing the LH (luteinizing hormone) surge. This protocol is often used for cryopreservation for social reasons because it is simpler and more cost-effective. The objective of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and the convenience of the PPOS protocol in the context of oocyte cryopreservation for social reasons.

METHODS: In this bicentric matched case‒control study, all PPOS cycles performed for nonmedical reasons between January 2021 and June 2023 were included. Each PPOS cycle was matched with 2 control cycles performed with the antagonist protocol on the basis of the antral follicle count (+/- 5), BMI (+/- 2 kg/cm²) and starting gonadotropin dose (+/- 75 UI). The primary endpoint was the number of mature oocytes. The secondary endpoints were other parameters and outcomes of COS. We evaluated the convenience of PPOS by analysing the frequency of monitoring sessions. Univariate analysis was performed via univariate conditional logistic regression. Multivariate analysis was performed via conditional multivariate logistic regression for significant parameters in the univariate analysis (p < 0.2).

RESULTS: The patient characteristics were comparable, except the median age, which was lower in the antagonist group (35.5 vs. 34.6 years, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in the number of metaphase II (MII) oocytes between the groups (p = 0.91) or in the total number of COCs retrieved (0.94). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the maturation rate or the OSI (p = 0.38 and p = 0.16). The number of monitoring sessions was significantly lower in the PPOS protocol group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: The response to ovarian stimulation with the PPOS protocol for oocyte cryopreservation in patients with nonmedical indications does not differ statistically from that with the antagonist protocol in terms of the number of MII oocytes. This protocol offers the advantages of a more patient-friendly approach through oral administration, a significantly lower number of monitoring sessions with the same efficacy as the antagonist protocol and could be offered as a first line treatment.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: NA.

TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE: NA.

PMID:40346618 | DOI:10.1186/s12958-025-01402-2

BMC Oral Health. 2025 May 9;25(1):697. doi: 10.1186/s12903-025-05862-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Denture base fabrication techniques and hard relining resins play critical roles in the clinical durability of implant supported immediate provisional hybrid prostheses (IPHPs). This study aimed to investigate the effects of different denture base fabrication techniques and hard relining resins on the fixation of IPHPs to titanium cylinders using a push-out test, and observe the failure types.

METHODS: A total of 140 denture base acrylic resin specimens (diameter: 24 mm, height: 4 mm) were fabricated using four techniques: milling, 3D printing, injection molding, and conventional heat-polymerization. Holes in 10 mm diameter were drilled at the center of each specimen using an industrial drill. Then, titanium cylinders (Opus Implant) were fixed to the specimens using five hard relining resin materials: acrylic resin-based (Ufi Gel Hard)(UGH), heat-polymerized acrylic resin (Futura Basic Hot)(FBH), autopolymerizing composite resin (Quick Up)(QP), autopolymerizing denture repair resin based on diacrylate (Qu-resin)(QR), and autopolymerizing low shrinkage modelling acrylic resin (Pattern resin LS)(PR) (n = 7). Following 5000 thermal-cycles, a push-out test was performed using a universal testing machine (Test Control Systems). Data were statistically analyzed with two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post-hoc test (SPSS26, p =.05).

RESULTS: Denture base fabrication techniques, hard relining resin materials, and their interactions had significant effects on the push-out forces (p <.001). Statistically significant differences among fabrication techniques were observed only in the QR group (p <.05), where heat-polymerization technique had the highest push-out forces. Among relining materials, PR exhibited the highest values for milling technique (p <.05). For 3D printing, PR (p =.007) and QR (p =.029) showed significantly higher values than UGH. For injection molding, PR was superior to QP (p =.012) and UGH (p =.001). For heat-polymerization technique, QR, PR and QP exhibited the higher values (p <.05). The most common failure type was adhesive failure between titanium cylinders and relining resins (ADHES-ti).

CONCLUSIONS: Denture base fabrication techniques and relining resin types had significant effects on the push-out force. Conventional heat-polymerization technique provided the most consistent performance, whereas milling and 3D printing required careful selection of relining materials. These results can inform clinical decisions to improve IPHP durability and reduce complications.

PMID:40346615 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-025-05862-1

BMC Oral Health. 2025 May 9;25(1):696. doi: 10.1186/s12903-025-05916-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the presence of preoperative apical periodontitis (AP) in endodontically treated teeth within a Turkish population, along with its causes, treatment methods, and the effectiveness of preventive and early intervention practices.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1,440 teeth from 1,055 patients treated at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University between 2021 and 2023. Preoperative panoramic and periapical radiographs and postoperative periapical radiographs were examined. Data recorded included patient demographics, treated tooth location, presence of preoperative AP, coronal restorations, reasons for treatment, treatment methods, and number of missing and endodontically treated teeth. Statistical analyses were performed using Chi-Square, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman correlation tests.

RESULTS: The overall incidence of AP was reported as 28.7%. It was more frequently observed in the mandible than in the maxilla and in incisors compared to other tooth groups (p < 0.001). Caries was the primary reason for treatment in molars (81.5%), while periodontal disease was more common in incisors (p < 0.001). As age increased, the number of endodontically treated and missing teeth also rose (p = 0.019; p < 0.001). Teeth with crowns had a lower AP rate, while retreatments due to periodontal disease or previous root canal failures showed higher AP rates (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: The high AP rate and the predominance of caries and periodontal disease as treatment causes indicate insufficient application of preventive and early treatments. AP prevalence varied by jaw location, tooth group, coronal restoration and treatment method. This study provides epidemiological data on endodontically treated teeth and their association with AP. These findings emphasize the importance of early diagnosis, preventive measures, and effective treatment planning in preserving tooth survival.

PMID:40346612 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-025-05916-4

Int J Retina Vitreous. 2025 May 9;11(1):56. doi: 10.1186/s40942-025-00679-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To assess macular anatomical and vascular parameters in individuals working in iron ore mines using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) imaging to explore potential correlations between this occupational exposure and retinal changes.

METHODS: Individuals from the Sangan iron ore mine in Iran were included in a comparative cross-sectional observational study. An age-matched normal control group was selected from healthy participants employed at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Following thorough medical evaluations, participants underwent OCT and OCTA imaging. The macular thickness profile, vessel density (VD) of the superficial (SCP) and deep retinal capillary plexus (DCP), and the area of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were measured in our cases and compared with age-matched normal controls.

RESULTS: One hundred and one individuals, with an average age of 38.3 ± 5.59 years in the case group and 38.5 ± 5.59 years in the control group, were enrolled in the study. The difference in mean foveal thickness between cases (50.75 ± 9.13) and normal controls (50.38 ± 8.29) was not statistically significant (p = 0.758). Similarly, the mean VD in SCP and DCP for the case group (49.08 ± 2.20 and 49.32 ± 2.42, respectively) and the control group (49.45 ± 3.54 and 49.36 ± 3.97) did not show significant differences. Additionally, there were no significant changes (p-value > 0.05) in macular thickness and VD in other retinal regions when comparing the case and control groups.

CONCLUSION: The research did not establish a significant association between occupational exposure in an iron ore mine and retinal structural changes or alterations in macular VD.

PMID:40346601 | DOI:10.1186/s40942-025-00679-0

BMC Med. 2025 May 9;23(1):277. doi: 10.1186/s12916-025-04113-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Physical therapy is commonly recommended for treating meniscus tears and knee osteoarthritis (KOA). However, data from randomized trials that compare the effectiveness of this treatment with that of glucocorticoid injections are lacking.

METHODS: This randomized, single-blind, multicenter trial included 273 patients with KOA who were divided into either the physical therapy group (n = 133) or the glucocorticoid injection group (n = 140). The physical therapy included kinesiology tape, exercise protocols, and exercise training programs to increase core stability and periprosthetic muscle strength. The primary endpoint was the overall Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score at 1 year. Additionally, proprioception and safety were assessed. All analyses were performed with the use of the intention-to-treat approach. The data are reported as percentages (%) (n), and the threshold for statistical significance was p < 0.05.

RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the baseline characteristics between the two groups (p > 0.05). The average (± SD) WOMAC score at 1-year was 76.85 ± 2.50 in the physiotherapy group. And 99.55 ± 2.09 in the glucocorticoid injection group (mean difference = – 22.70; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] – 23.43 to – 21.96; p < 0.001). Compared with the glucocorticoid injection group, the physical therapy group exhibited superior performance in terms of proprioception, especially in the eyes-closed in situ stepping test (14.27 ± 0.75 versus 5.98 ± 0.74; mean difference = 8.29; 95% CI 8.09-8.50; p < 0.001). The incidence of serious adverse events at the 1-year follow-up was comparable between the two groups. Most of these events were determined to be complications arising from physical therapy and glucocorticoid injection.

CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed that pain, quality of life, and balance were greater in the physiotherapy group than in the glucocorticoid injection group within the 1-year study period. However, the long-term effects beyond this timeframe remain unknown, and future studies with extended follow-up times are needed to confirm the sustainability of these benefits.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol was approved by the local ethics committee of the ethical commission of the Hebei Sports Science Research Institute (SEC20200213019) and Ethics Committee of Sichuan Taikang Hospital (SCTK-IRB-032). The study was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000032508).

PMID:40346599 | DOI:10.1186/s12916-025-04113-y

Clin Genitourin Cancer. 2025 Apr 11;23(4):102350. doi: 10.1016/j.clgc.2025.102350. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Acinar adenocarcinoma is the most common histological subtype of prostate cancer (PCa). However, 5% of cases present with unconventional histological subtypes (UHs), which have inconsistent clinical characteristics.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: 600 patients underwent a radical prostatectomy (RP) at our institution between 2003 and 2023. 50% had UHs, while other 50% age-matched patients (median age 63 years), with pure acinar adenocarcinoma served as comparison group. Collected parameters included age at diagnosis, PSA levels, imaging results, ISUP (International Society of Urological Pathology) Grade Group at biopsy and RP, TNM-stage and biochemical recurrence rates (BCR). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS and Excel, applying Mann-Whitney-U, Chi-Square tests, and Cox proportional hazards models to assess associations with recurrence-free survival.

RESULTS: All patients with UHs presented mixed histological forms (P < .001). Importantly, UHs were previously identified only in 9% of biopsy specimens (P < .001). Patients with UHs had more aggressive disease reflected by higher ISUP Grade Group (P < .001), higher prevalence of ≥pT3a tumors as well as higher rates of positive resection margins (P < .001) although fewer nerve-sparing procedures were performed (P < .001). Patients with UH had a higher risk of PSA persistence after RP (P = .04) and higher BCR rates (P < .001) after a median follow-up of 54.8 months. Notably, multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that the presence of UHs is the most significant risk factor for BCR (HR 1.972, 95% CI 1.210-3.312).

CONCLUSION: Patients with UH exhibit more aggressive disease and have an increased risk of disease relapse following curative therapy.

PMID:40344715 | DOI:10.1016/j.clgc.2025.102350