Nevin Manimala

Cureus. 2025 Mar 16;17(3):e80685. doi: 10.7759/cureus.80685. eCollection 2025 Mar.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dandruff is a widespread scalp issue that affects many people worldwide, often causing itching and discomfort. It is linked to the presence of certain microorganisms on the scalp, especially Malassezia yeast, which interacts with skin cells to trigger dandruff. This condition can lead patients to experience health concerns and social or emotional distress. Common treatments include antifungal shampoos. Neem leaves have been selected for their natural ability to fight germs, reduce inflammation, and support immune health. They contain beneficial compounds that help treat infections, aid healing, and have long been used in traditional medicine as a natural remedy. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of neem leaf paste in treating scalp dandruff among female students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quasi-experimental pre-test post-test control group study was conducted on female students aged 18-24 with minimal, moderate, and severe dandruff levels. The modified Van Abbe’s scale was used to assess the dandruff level. A total of 100 female students were selected using non-probability purposive sampling with no history of allergy to neem leaf formulations. The primary objective was to reduce the dandruff score. The dandruff levels were assessed before and after the application of neem leaf paste at baseline, Week 1, and Week 2. Statistical analysis was performed using frequency and percentage for demographic variables, and a t-test was used to compare dandruff levels between the control and experimental groups. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: The study included 50 female students in the experimental group and 50 in the control group. Before applying neem leaf paste, 66% (n=33) in the experimental group and 60% (n=30) in the control group had a moderate level of dandruff, while 10% (n=5) and 14% (n=7) in the respective groups had severe dandruff. After the intervention, 44% (n=22) in the experimental group had no dandruff, compared to just 4% (n=2) in the control group. Additionally, 42% (n=21) in the experimental group had a minimal level of dandruff, whereas 28% (14 participants) in the control group had the same. Only 14% (n=7) in the experimental group still had moderate dandruff, compared to 60% (n=30) in the control group. The control group also had 8% (n=4) with severe dandruff, while none remained at this level in the experimental group. After one week, the mean dandruff score significantly dropped to 0.7 in the experimental group, compared to 1.72 in the control group (p-value = 0.00001), indicating a statistically significant reduction in dandruff severity due to neem leaf paste application.

CONCLUSION: The application of neem leaf paste was effective in managing dandruff among the participants. Neem leaf paste, known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, offers a cost-effective and natural alternative for managing dandruff. Its effectiveness in reducing dandruff levels among study participants highlights its potential as a safe and accessible treatment option.

PMID:40242687 | PMC:PMC11999905 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.80685

Contracept Reprod Med. 2025 Apr 16;10(1):31. doi: 10.1186/s40834-025-00365-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Contraceptive use is vital to improve maternal and child health, promote economic stability, and empower women. Despite global progress in family planning, Somalia faces unique challenges due to cultural, economic, and infrastructural barriers, resulting in low contraceptive use. This study investigated the prevalence and determinants of the intention to use contraceptives among women of reproductive age in Somali.

METHODS: Using data from the 2020 Somali Demographic and Health Survey (SDHS), this study analyzed a sample of 7,967 women aged 15-49. Contraceptive intention was categorized as “intent to use” versus “no intent to use.” The SDHS questionnaire assesses intention to use contraceptives in the next 12 months, which aligns with standard DHS definitions. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between contraceptive intention and sociodemographic factors. Choropleth maps and bar charts illustrate regional disparities.

RESULTS: Overall, only 7.6% of the women intended to use contraception, with substantial regional variation. Woqooyi Galbeed reported the highest prevalence of contraceptive intention at 18.4%, while Gedo had the lowest at 1.1%. Significant predictors of contraceptive intention included higher education (AOR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.21-4.56), secondary education (AOR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.12-3.26). Women residing in nomadic communities had significantly lower odds of intending to use contraception (AOR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.23-0.68). Since nomadic residence often implies reduced healthcare access, this finding suggests logistical and cultural barriers to contraceptive intentions. Cultural and geographic factors significantly influence contraceptive intentions.

CONCLUSION: Regional, educational, and socioeconomic variations affect contraceptive intentions in Somalia. Addressing these disparities through targeted educational and healthcare access interventions could improve family planning and utilization, ultimately enhancing maternal and child health outcomes.

PMID:40241228 | DOI:10.1186/s40834-025-00365-4

Syst Rev. 2025 Apr 16;14(1):88. doi: 10.1186/s13643-025-02832-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Maternal mortality is a critical public health issue, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Maternal healthcare services (MHS), including antenatal care (ANC) visits, skilled birth attendants (SBA), institutional delivery (ID), and postnatal care (PNC), are crucial policy priorities to address maternal mortality and improve pregnancy outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to provide a comprehensive, quantitative analysis of MHS utilization among women in LMICs.

METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and SocINDEX to gather relevant studies on the utilization of MHS in LMICs conducted between January 2015 and December 2024. These were then synthesized both quantitatively and qualitatively and random-effect models were employed to obtain pooled estimates.

RESULTS: A total of 145 studies included in this review. Coverage of at least one ANC visit (ANC1), at least four ANC visits (ANC4), SBA, ID and PNC were reported in 66, 108, 42, 63, and 37 studies respectively and for these studies pooled prevalences of ANC1, ANC4, SBA, ID, and PNC were found 85.0% (95% CI 81.2-88.1%), 50.8% (95% CI 46.4-55.2%), 65.6% (95% CI 58.7-71.9%), 66.9% (95% CI 60.3-72.9%), and 48.9% (95% CI 41.7-56.2%), respectively, with high heterogeneity among the studies (I² > 99.0%). Results obtained from the sub-group analysis revealed that the prevalence of MHS indicators was higher in the South and Southeast Asia (SSEA) region compared to Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), except for ID, e.g., SBA prevalence in SSEA was 70.1% (95% CI 60.4-78.3%) whereas for SSA it was 64.0% (95% CI 53.3-73.6%). The prevalence of all MHS indicators was higher for studies with primary data than those with secondary data, except for ANC4 and PNC. Overall, associations were reported between MHS utilization and women’s age, education level, household socioeconomic status, place of residence, decision-making power, and exposure to mass media.

CONCLUSION: High heterogeneity among studies infer possible disparities in MHS utilization at both global and national levels. Hence, it is crucial for policies to prioritize enhancing effective coverage, narrowing disparities, and improving care quality in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42023401745.

PMID:40241227 | DOI:10.1186/s13643-025-02832-0

Gut Pathog. 2025 Apr 16;17(1):24. doi: 10.1186/s13099-025-00698-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer (PC) presents a significant challenge in oncology because of its late-stage diagnosis and limited treatment options. The inadequacy of current screening methods has prompted investigations into stool-based assays and microbial classifiers as potential early detection markers. The gut microbiota composition of PC patients may be influenced by population differences, thereby impacting the accuracy of disease prediction. However, comprehensive profiling of the PC gut microbiota and analysis of these cofactors remain limited. Therefore, we analyzed the stool microbiota of 33 Finnish and 50 Iranian PC patients along with 35 Finnish and 34 Iranian healthy controls using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We assessed similarities and differences of PC gut microbiota in both populations while considering sociocultural impacts and generated a statistical model for disease prediction based on microbial classifiers. Our aim was to expand the current understanding of the PC gut microbiota, discuss the impact of population differences, and contribute to the development of early PC diagnosis through microbial biomarkers.

RESULTS: Compared with healthy controls, PC patients presented reduced microbial diversity, with discernible microbial profiles influenced by factors such as ethnicity, demographics, and lifestyle. PC was marked by significantly higher abundances of facultative pathogens including Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcaceae, and Fusobacteriaceae, and significantly lower abundances of beneficial bacteria. In particular, bacteria belonging to the Clostridia class, such as butyrate-producing Lachnospiraceae, Butyricicoccaceae, and Ruminococcaceae, were depleted. A microbial classifier for the prediction of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) was developed in the Iranian cohort and evaluated in the Finnish cohort, where it yielded a respectable AUC of 0.88 (95% CI 0.78, 0.97).

CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the potential of gut microbes as biomarkers for noninvasive PC screening and the development of targeted therapies, emphasizing the need for further research to validate these findings in diverse populations. A comprehensive understanding of the role of the gut microbiome in PC could significantly enhance early detection efforts and improve patient outcomes.

PMID:40241224 | DOI:10.1186/s13099-025-00698-0

J Health Popul Nutr. 2025 Apr 16;44(1):120. doi: 10.1186/s41043-025-00872-9.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Earlier studies on the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and low estimated glomerular filtration rate (low-eGFR) have provided uncertain findings. Therefore, this study aimed to summarize the existing literature on the association between DII and CKD and low-eGFR.

METHODS: In April 2024, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for observational studies, along with manual inclusion of Google Scholar and Embase. The review was submitted to PROSPERO (CRD42024536756) and conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines. Studies which reported risk for CKD or low-eGFR were included.

RESULTS: The random-effects model was used for statistical analysis and pooled effect sizes were reported as odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 13 studies, all with a cross-sectional design, were identified eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The results revealed that higher DII scores were associated with significantly higher odds of CKD (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.20-1.56, p < 0.001) and low-eGFR (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.26-2.00, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION: This study found a significant positive association between the DII and the odds of CKD and low-eGFR, suggesting a higher likelihood of CKD in individuals who adhere to a pro-inflammatory diet. Large-scale prospective cohort studies are required to confirm these findings, particularly by assessing different indicators of kidney function.

PMID:40241214 | DOI:10.1186/s41043-025-00872-9

Pilot Feasibility Stud. 2025 Apr 16;11(1):50. doi: 10.1186/s40814-025-01635-3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Suicide is a serious public health concern for which there are limited evidence-based interventions being employed. This feasibility study administered a Brief Intervention and Contact (BIC) trial adopted from the WHO Multisite Intervention Study on Suicidal Behaviors (SUPRE-MISS) and followed participants after they had been discharged from the inpatient hospital setting.

AIMS: To assess the recruitment and retention rates, follow-up visit completion, barriers to recruitment and retention, resources needed of employing this study, and data completion.

METHODS: Eligible participants were recruited from psychiatric inpatient settings, in Hamilton, Ontario. Adults with suicidal behavior were randomly allocated to BIC (intervention) plus treatment as usual (TAU) or treatment as usual (control) and were followed for 6 months. The intervention arm completed 9 follow-up points during the 6-month follow-up period post-discharge. Calculation of recruitment and retention rates and associated statistical analyses were completed using SPSS version 25.

RESULTS: A total of 154 participants were approached during the 8-month recruitment period, 60 participants were enrolled resulting in a recruitment rate of 7.625 participants per month. A total of 61 participants were recruited, with 1 duplicate. The retention rate was 47.5% for the recruited participants at the end of the study.

CONCLUSIONS: Few suicide-based follow up interventions assess the feasibility of conducting the study. Retention was low for this study; however, participants outlined reasons for withdrawal that are consistent with other research areas related to mental health. Findings from this study will help inform suicide research on the barriers and challenges to participant recruitment and retention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03825354, Registered January 30 th, 2019, ClinicalTrial.gov; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03825354?cond=suicide&term=brief%20intervention%20and%20contact&rank=6.

PMID:40241209 | DOI:10.1186/s40814-025-01635-3

BMC Res Notes. 2025 Apr 16;18(1):177. doi: 10.1186/s13104-025-07217-z.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the research was to identify key factors influencing smallholder farmers’ why not follow the recommended pesticide safety practices in northwestern Ethiopia. The study conducted in 2020/2021 investigated factors influencing smallholder farmers’ adherence to recommended pesticide safety practices in northwestern Ethiopia. The survey involving 50 farmers in Fogera and 53 in Mecha assessed pesticide use practices and perceptions, aiming to reveal common challenges in pesticide management. Survey data highlighted significant pesticide application and barriers related to adopting personal protective equipment (PPE), proper pesticide storage, integrated pest management (IPM), and safe disposal of containers.

RESULT: Statistical analyses indicated non-significant differences between districts regarding these practices, underscoring universal issues such as economic constraints, limited resource access, and inadequate awareness. Crops like maize, faba bean, and cabbage showed high pesticide usage rates in both districts without statistically significant differences, emphasizing their cumulative impact on food safety. This finding underscores the urgent need for comprehensive interventions. Measures such as subsidized PPE, infrastructure development for safe pesticide storage, enhanced educational campaigns, and strengthened regulatory frameworks are crucial to promote sustainable agricultural practices and mitigate health and environmental risks. In conclusion, the study identifies widespread barriers to effective pesticide management among smallholder farmers in Fogera and Mecha, including economic limitations and resource constraints. Addressing these challenges necessitates a multifaceted strategy that includes subsidized PPE, improved storage infrastructure, and intensified educational initiatives to foster sustainable practices and safeguard both human health and the environment.

PMID:40241208 | DOI:10.1186/s13104-025-07217-z

Porcine Health Manag. 2025 Apr 16;11(1):22. doi: 10.1186/s40813-025-00436-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Synchronized parturition is essential for optimizing batch production and implementing effective “all-in/all-out” management strategies. However, the efficacy of exogenous hormones in regulating parturition and the potential adverse effects of parturition induction have remained inconsistent. This study investigates the impact of cloprostenol sodium and carbetocin on farrowing performance in sows, aiming to establish an optimal induction protocol.

RESULTS: Initially, based on a dataset comprising 3,657 gestation records of large white sows, we calculated the average gestation length for the herd to be 114 days, and the induction time was set at 113 days of gestation. Subsequently, parturition was induced in 546 primiparous sows and 339 multiparous sows, respectively. The experiment consisted of three groups: (1) CON group (control), (2) PG group (cloprostenol sodium), and (3) PGCAR group (combination of cloprostenol sodium and carbetocin). In primiparous sows, compared to the control group, the PG group exhibited farrowing rates of 23.5% on day 113 and 71.8% on day 114. Notably, the PGCAR group demonstrated a higher farrowing rate of 78.1% on day 114. Importantly, the working hours farrowing rate for the PGCAR group was 90.3%, with 64.6% of sows farrowing within five hours after carbetocin administration. Additionally, both the PG and PGCAR groups showed a significant reduction in farrowing duration, birth interval, and stillbirth rate compared to the control group. Similar trends were observed in multiparous sows. In the PG group, farrowing rates were 25.0% on day 113 and 66.7% on day 114. Notably, the PGCAR group demonstrated a farrowing rate of 76.2% on day 114. Specifically, within the PGCAR group, 87.7% of farrowing events occurred during working hours, and 68.0% of farrowing events occurred within five hours following carbetocin administration. Furthermore, compared to the control group, the PGCAR group of multiparous sows exhibited a significant reduction in both farrowing duration and birth intervals. Furthermore, our analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in colostrum composition and milk bioactive components across the CON, PG, and PGCAR groups.

CONCLUSIONS: The combined administration of cloprostenol sodium and carbetocin effectively induces parturition in large white sows, accelerating the parturition process without adverse effects on either the sows or the piglets. However, 5-22% of the sows in this study exhibited spontaneous farrowing prior to hormone-induced parturition. Further investigation is necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and address instances where sows initiate farrowing prematurely before induction.

PMID:40241204 | DOI:10.1186/s40813-025-00436-7

J Ovarian Res. 2025 Apr 16;18(1):79. doi: 10.1186/s13048-025-01665-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mosaic embryos have been proven to be capable of resulting in live births and have become an option for embryo transfer under certain circumstances. Recent guidelines suggested that embryo morphological scoring should be taken into consideration when selecting mosaic embryos for transfer. Therefore, we introduce a hypothesis that a high morphological scoring mosaic embryo is a better choice compared to a low morphological scoring euploid embryo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 1641 embryo transfer cycles following next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A). Participants were categorized into a mosaic group (87 cycles) and an euploid group (1554 cycles) based on the PGT-A results of the transferred embryos. Statistical methods including multivariate logistic regression analysis and propensity score matching (PSM) were employed to compare the pregnancy outcomes between mosaic and euploid embryo transfer cycles.

RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the transfer of mosaic embryos was a prognosis for the reducing live birth rate (P = 0.043). Furthermore, when comparing the pregnancy outcomes of the high morphological scoring mosaic embryo transfer group with the low morphological scoring euploid embryo transfer group, no significant differences were observed (P > 0.05). Additionally, no significant differences in pregnancy outcomes were found between both the high morphological score low proportion and segmental mosaic group and the low morphological score euploid group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Our study indicated that morphological scoring has reference value when choosing between euploid and mosaic embryo transfers. Specifically, when the morphological score of euploid embryos is poor, mosaic embryos with high morphological scores could be a viable option after comprehensive prenatal consultation.

PMID:40241198 | DOI:10.1186/s13048-025-01665-8

BMC Psychol. 2025 Apr 16;13(1):390. doi: 10.1186/s40359-025-02724-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Previous research predominantly focused on burnout’s proximal antecedents, with less known about distant influences such as cultural values. Confucian values, integral to Chinese culture, advocate for diligence and long-term commitment, potentially safeguarding against burnout by enhancing resilience and a robust work ethic. This study aims to examine the impact of Confucian Work Dynamism on teacher burnout through two facets of grit, which encompasses interest consistency and perseverance of effort.

METHOD: Utilizing a cross-sectional survey, 304 valid responses were collected from primary and secondary school teachers in China. The study employed descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for data analysis.

RESULTS: Findings indicate a positive correlation between Confucian Work Dynamism and the perseverance of effort facet of Grit, while no significant correlation was found with interest consistency. Both facets of Grit were negatively associated with burnout, with perseverance of effort mediating the relationship between Confucian Work Dynamism and burnout.

CONCLUSION: Confucian Work Dynamism, particularly through perseverance of effort, serves as a protective factor against burnout. This study highlights the importance of cultural values in occupational well-being and suggests that interventions in collectivist cultures should continue to encourage a high level of persistence of effort while promoting greater consistency of interests.

PMID:40241197 | DOI:10.1186/s40359-025-02724-x