Nevin Manimala

Cancer Rep (Hoboken). 2025 May;8(5):e70216. doi: 10.1002/cnr2.70216.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Multiple myeloma is a malignant disorder involving the uncontrolled proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Prognosis remains poor for individuals with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), and the underlying mechanisms are yet to be fully understood.

METHODS: We collected bone marrow RNA-Seq data from a total of 557 patients with MM from the GEO database (GSE24080) for further analysis, dividing them into relapsed/refractory and control groups. Additionally, we collected bone marrow samples from 57 MM patients to validate the performed RNA-Seq data analysis.

RESULTS: RNA-Seq analysis of patients with RRMM revealed a significant upregulation of genes associated with cuproptosis. Using the LASSO Cox regression method, several long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) were identified that influence copper-induced cell death. Based on these lncRNAs, patients were stratified into high-risk and low-risk groups. The high-risk group exhibited a significantly worse overall survival (OS) compared to the low-risk group, with a p-value of less than 0.001. Our statistical analysis, incorporating LASSO Cox regression, indicated that among these lncRNAs, MAMDC2-AS1 was particularly noteworthy due to its strong correlation with OS (p-value < 0.01). Further validation using qPCR and survival analysis established MAMDC2-AS1 as a strong predictor of prognosis in MM. This finding suggests that MAMDC2-AS1 can serve as a potential independent biomarker for RRMM. The qPCR data validated the RNA-Seq findings and uncovered the significance of MAMDC2-AS1 in the prognosis of this disease.

CONCLUSION: MAMDC2-AS1 plays a significant role in RRMM. Promisingly, Bortezomib, Bosutinib, Crizotinib, and DMOG have demonstrated promising efficacy in addressing advanced cases.

PMID:40344606 | DOI:10.1002/cnr2.70216

Vet Dermatol. 2025 May 9. doi: 10.1111/vde.13355. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Canine superficial bacterial folliculitis (SBF) is a common recurrent condition with a growing requirement for culture and susceptibility as a consequence of increased antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial stewardship. Different opinions persist about the ideal technique for culture sample acquisition, which varies with lesion characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if a difference exists in the recovered quantity of bacteria acquired when sampling nonexudative clinical lesions of SBF (crusts and epidermal collarettes) between a dry culture swab and a saline-moistened culture swab.

ANIMALS: Nine dogs with crusts or epidermal collarettes and cytological findings consistent with SBF were recruited.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Each clinical lesion was divided into two halves. One half of the lesion was sampled with a dry cotton sterile swab, while the other half was sampled with a sterile swab saturated with sterile saline. Each lesion was sampled with the culture swab by rolling it over the corresponding half four times. Aerobic quantitative cultures were then performed to determine the number of Staphylococcus-type colonies present.

RESULTS: A total of 19 lesions (13 crusts and six epidermal collarettes) were evaluated. Dry culture swab identified a mean staphylococcal bacterial count of 3.83 Log₁₀ colony-forming units (cfu)/mL (standard deviation [SD] = 0.70). The saline-soaked culture swab revealed a median bacterial count of 4.41 Log₁₀ cfu/mL (SD = 0.77). There was a statistically significant difference between the sample collection methods (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Sterile saline-soaked swabs are more likely than dry swabs to result in increased recovery of bacteria from nonexudative lesions.

PMID:40344589 | DOI:10.1111/vde.13355

J Phys Chem Lett. 2025 May 9:4900-4906. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.5c00688. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Excited state proton transfer is a fundamental process in photochemistry, playing a crucial role in fluorescence sensing, bioimaging, and optoelectronic applications. However, fully resolving its dynamics remains challenging due to the prohibitive computational cost of ab initio simulations and the need for ultrafast experimental techniques with high temporal resolution. Here, we tackle this challenge by using machine learning-driven excited state molecular dynamics simulations. We propose an active learning framework powered by enhanced sampling techniques for constructing a high-quality training set for excited state machine learning potentials, which we then use to map the reaction free energy landscape and capture the photorelaxation dynamics. Using 10-hydroxybenzo[h]quinoline as a test case, our simulations reveal a barrierless excited state proton transfer occurring within ∼50 fs, accompanied by a significant red shift in the emission energy (∼1 eV), in agreement with experimental findings. Furthermore, our results highlight a strong coupling between proton transfer and charge redistribution, which facilitates the rapid tautomerization process. These findings showcase the power of machine learning-driven molecular dynamics in accurately capturing photochemical dynamics while enabling large-scale statistical sampling.

PMID:40344586 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jpclett.5c00688

PLoS One. 2025 May 9;20(5):e0322956. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0322956. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

This study examines how adolescent leisure activity networks relate to subjective well-being (SWB) using Statistics Korea’s 2019 Time Use Survey. The analysis includes 241 high-SWB and 241 low-SWB adolescents, assessing network density, inclusiveness, average distance, isolated nodes, degree centrality, and cohesion through NetMiner 4.0, with descriptive statistics processed in SPSS ver. 25.0. The results show clear differences in leisure activity networks. High-SWB adolescents engaged in more social activities and sports, while low-SWB adolescents participated in fewer, more solitary activities. High-SWB networks were diverse and well-connected, whereas low-SWB networks were more fragmented. Screen-based activities also played different roles: supporting social connections in high-SWB adolescents but reinforcing isolation in low-SWB adolescents. This study visually highlights that leisure participation varies by SWB level. The findings suggest that promoting diverse and interactive leisure activities can improve adolescent well-being, offering insights for policy and intervention programs.

PMID:40344567 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0322956

PLoS One. 2025 May 9;20(5):e0322778. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0322778. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

In this study, it was aimed to reveal the effect of regular life kinetic exercises on the concepts of motivation and imagery in sports in puberty period individuals. In the study in which “pre-test-post-test control group design” was used, 44 students (experiment = 22, control = 22) who were continuing their education in a state secondary school and selected by appropriate sampling method participated. The “Personal Information Form”, “Motivation Scale in Sport” and “Imagery Inventory in Sport” were used as data collection tools. The collected data were analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance. When the results were analysed, it was determined that there were statistically significant differences in the pre-test and post-test mean scores of motivation and imagery in sport. As a result, it can be stated that the life kinetic exercise protocol applied for 8 weeks in sedentary individuals positively predicted motivation and imagery parameters in sports. This result indicates that the related psychological phenomena, which are as important as sport performance in sports, can be positively affected by cognitive and motoric exercise combinations.

PMID:40344562 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0322778

PLoS One. 2025 May 9;20(5):e0323282. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0323282. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Duck circovirus (DuCV) infection is an immunosuppressive disease that affects ducks and causes severe damage to their immune system. To elucidate the epidemiological characteristics of DuCV infection in China, a total of 2944 waterfowl samples were collected from 17 provinces from January to October 2022, and 612 DuCV-positive samples were identified. A descriptive statistical analysis was subsequently conducted. Furthermore, 51 near-full-length DuCV genome sequences were obtained, and molecular genetic evolution and recombinant analyses were performed. Geographically, Fujian Province had the highest rate of DuCV positivity (54.8%), followed by the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (30.4%). The rate of DuCV positivity was highest in samples from 21-40-day-old ducklings, accounting for 66.5% of the total positive samples. The most common pathogen involved in mixed infections with DuCV was parvovirus or Riemerella anatipestifer. Genetic and evolutionary analyses of the full genome sequences of 51 DuCV strains revealed that DuCV-1b and DuCV-2c were the most prevalent strains in China. Genetic recombination analysis suggested that the major parental sequences involved in the recombination of DuCV strains in ducks are present in Anhui, Sichuan, Shandong, and Guangxi. In addition, DuCV recombination events have occurred between strains with different genotypes or strains isolated from different countries. In summary, the DuCV epidemic in China is complex. There are two main co-circulating genotypes, those of the DuCV-1b and DuCV-2c strains, and coinfection of DuCV with other pathogens is a very common phenomenon in clinical practice. There is an urgent demand for vaccines against DuCV, and the protective efficacy of these vaccines against different DuCV genotypes needs to be carefully evaluated.

PMID:40344561 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0323282

PLoS One. 2025 May 9;20(5):e0310462. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310462. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Existing guidelines emphasize the importance of initial fluid resuscitation therapy in sepsis management. However, in previous meta-analyses, there have been inconsistencies in differentiating between spontaneously breathing and mechanically ventilated septic patients.

OBJECTIVE: To consolidate the literature on the predictive accuracy of changes in the inferior vena cava diameter (∆IVC) for fluid responsiveness in septic patients.

METHODS: The Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PubMed, Wanfang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical (CBM) and VIP (Weipu) databases were comprehensively searched. Statistical analyses were performed with Stata 15.0 software and Meta-DiSc 1.4.

RESULTS: Twenty-one research studies were deemed suitable for inclusion. The sensitivity and specificity of ∆ IVC were 0.84 (95% CI 0.76, 0.90) and 0.87 (95% CI 0.80, 0.91), respectively. With respect to the distensibility of the inferior vena cava (dIVC), the sensitivity was 0.79 (95% CI 0.68, 0.86), and the specificity was 0.82 (95% CI 0.73, 0.89). For collapsibility of the inferior vena cava (cIVC), the sensitivity and specificity values were 0.92 (95% CI 0.83, 0.96) and 0.93 (95% CI 0.86, 0.97), respectively.

CONCLUSION: The results indicated that ∆IVC is as a dependable marker for fluid responsiveness in sepsis patients. dIVC and cIVC also exhibited high levels of accuracy in predicting fluid responsiveness in septic patients.

PMID:40344560 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0310462

JCO Glob Oncol. 2025 May;11:e2400533. doi: 10.1200/GO-24-00533. Epub 2025 May 9.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Breast cancer is a major public health concern in Uganda, with limited research on its spatial distribution. With the increasing burden of breast cancer in Uganda, ensuring equitable access to care is crucial. This study investigates the spatial distribution of breast cancer cases across Uganda and describes travel distances patients travel to reach the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), the national cancer treatment center. By analyzing geographic patterns and disparities in accessibility, this research aims to inform targeted interventions for improved patient outcomes and a more equitable health care system.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed data from patients with breast cancer treated at UCI from 2009 to 2023. We geocoded patient addresses and calculated the travel distance from each residence to UCI. Spatial analysis was performed using Moran I statistic to assess clustering patterns in breast cancer distribution.

RESULTS: This study mapped the residences of 1,926 patients with breast cancer. Over half (54.7%) were concentrated in the Central region, with a median distance to the UCI of 11.2 km. By contrast, patients from the Northern region faced a median journey of 291 km, highlighting a significant disparity in proximity to care. Distinct clusters of patients were identified beyond the capital, Kampala, notably in Mbale (Eastern region) and several towns within the Northern region (Arua, Adjumani, Gulu, and Lira), suggesting potential localized factors influencing breast cancer incidence.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights significant regional disparities in access to breast cancer care in Uganda, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to improve health care access and reduce the burden of long-distance travel for patients in remote areas.

PMID:40344551 | DOI:10.1200/GO-24-00533

JCO Oncol Pract. 2025 May 9:OP2401030. doi: 10.1200/OP-24-01030. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Many cancer survivors consume alcohol above recommended limits, increasing their risk of recurrence, second cancers, and cancer-related mortality. Alcohol screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) is a guideline-recommended strategy for reducing unhealthy alcohol consumption among adult primary care patients. To our knowledge, no prior studies have evaluated SBIRT’s reach among cancer survivors.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of adults who completed the National Survey on Drug Use and Health from 2015 to 2022. We examined past-year receipt of alcohol screening and-among respondents who endorsed unhealthy alcohol use-brief intervention and treatment. All outcomes were examined among cancer survivors and those with no cancer history. We used modified Poisson regression to assess the associations of cancer history with each outcome, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics.

RESULTS: The cohort included 86,410 respondents with no history of cancer and 9,963 cancer survivors. The percentages of respondents endorsing past-year receipt of alcohol screening (approximately 40%), brief intervention (approximately 8%), and treatment (approximately 2%) were similarly low in both groups. After adjustment, there was a small but statistically significant difference in alcohol screening, with cancer survivors more likely than people without a history of cancer to receive alcohol screening (adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.13). Among those with unhealthy alcohol use, cancer survivors were no more or less likely than people without a history of cancer to receive brief alcohol intervention (aRR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.93 to 1.07) or alcohol treatment (aRR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.47 to 1.69).

CONCLUSION: Results reveal an important opportunity to improve SBIRT uptake across the board and especially for cancer survivors, who are at increased risk of alcohol-related adverse health effects and, potentially, more motivated to change cancer-related health behaviors.

PMID:40344546 | DOI:10.1200/OP-24-01030

Sci Rep. 2025 May 8;15(1):16136. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-00464-x.

ABSTRACT

This study presents the influence of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the growth of yellow lupine (Lupinus luteus L.cv. Diament and Lupinus luteus L.cv. Mister), and some metabolic reactions triggered by AgNPs during the seed germination stage and development of the seedling. Also, the role of AgNPs in defense mechanisms of the above of yellow lupine varieties against hemibiotrofic patogen Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lupini. AgNPs enhanced the growth of yellow lupine seedlings, particularly root length and fresh biomass. Furthermore, AgNPs triggered defense-related phytohormones, such as abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonates (JA/MeJA), and salicylic acid (SA), which were involved in defense response of yellow lupine against F. oxysporum infection. The application of AgNPs significantly enhanced the growth of yellow lupine seedlings, increasing root length by over 400% and fresh biomass by 183% compared to the control. Moreover, AgNPs also significantly triggered an important defense-related phytohormone ABA, which increased by 103- and 38-times in Diament and Mister varieties, respectively. AgNPs influenced soluble sugar levels, such as sucrose and fructose, in yellow lupine, which may be related to defense mechanisms. The treatment with AgNPs induced a hormetic effect, where the roots of seedlings exhibited increased growth and defense responses at low concentrations. The level of gibberellic acid (GA) increased by 556% and 297% in AgNP-pretreated embryo axes of Diament and Mister varieties, respectively. Sugar levels, such as sucrose and fructose, were also influenced by AgNPs. In Diament variety, sucrose and fructose levels increased by 60% and 146%, respectively. However, F. oxysporum infection caused a strong decline in sugar levels. Overall, the study suggests that AgNPs can be used to enhance plant growth and defense against pathogens.

PMID:40341719 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-00464-x