Nevin Manimala

J Behav Med. 2025 Jun 26. doi: 10.1007/s10865-025-00582-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Most individuals who complete a behavioral weight loss intervention (BWLI) regain weight. The current study is a preliminary investigation into the efficacy of a telephone coaching intervention to aid recovery from weight regain during weight loss maintenance.

METHODS: Participants (n = 77) who had recently completed a BWLI and had lost ≥ 5% of their initial body weight were instructed to engage in daily weighing using a “smart” scale. Participants were randomized to receive four consecutive weeks of brief coaching phone calls or no intervention. Randomization was activated when individuals regained > 1.5% of their baseline weight. Assessments were completed at baseline and 12 months.

RESULTS: Sixty-six participants (M ± SD age = 54.2 ± 9.9 years, 68% female) regained > 1.5% and were included in analyses. Individuals who received coaching completed 3.9 ± 0.5 calls and showed statistically-significant improvements in weight compared to the control group in the short-term (i.e., from randomization activation to 40 days later; M±SE Coaching: -1.05%±0.30 vs. Control: 0.37%±0.31, p < 0.001). However, there were not significant differences in weight regain by group at the 12-month study end (Coaching: 5.18%±0.72 vs. Control: 5.71%±0.76, p = 0.62).

CONCLUSIONS: Brief telephone coaching is a promising intervention for reversing short-term weight regain. Future research should focus on improving the coaching intervention to promote long-term weight loss maintenance, including exploration into offering multiple rounds of coaching.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04293055.

PMID:40569564 | DOI:10.1007/s10865-025-00582-x

J Community Health. 2025 Jun 26. doi: 10.1007/s10900-025-01497-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Seasonal influenza represents a significant public health challenge, with high hospitalization and mortality rates among the most vulnerable populations. Despite healthcare recommendations and the availability of safe and effective vaccines, vaccination coverage remains below the targets set by the WHO. This study analyzes the role of socioeconomic factors, knowledge, and individual attitudes in adherence to influenza vaccination in the City of Syracuse, Italy. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 394 adults from the ASP of Siracusa, recruited through General Practitioners. A questionnaire collected sociodemographic data, vaccination information, and assessments of knowledge and attitudes. Statistical analysis was performed using logistic regressions to evaluate the factors associated with vaccination. Multivariate analysis highlighted a significant association between vaccination adherence and socioeconomic and demographic factors. Older age was associated with a higher likelihood of vaccination (OR = 1.04; p = 0.002), while being married or cohabiting was linked to a lower probability of getting vaccinated (OR = 0.33; p = 0.002). Moreover, residents of small towns had a significantly lower probability of vaccination compared to those living in urban areas (OR = 0.04; p < 0.001). Knowledge about the vaccine had a marginal impact on adherence, whereas a favorable attitude did not show a significant association. Adherence to influenza vaccination is influenced by sociodemographic factors, with lower coverage in small municipalities and younger age groups. The active involvement of General Practitioners and targeted strategies for communication and accessibility could improve vaccination coverage.

PMID:40569554 | DOI:10.1007/s10900-025-01497-z

Int J Clin Oncol. 2025 Jun 26. doi: 10.1007/s10147-025-02814-1. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40569523 | DOI:10.1007/s10147-025-02814-1

J Immigr Minor Health. 2025 Jun 26. doi: 10.1007/s10903-025-01729-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study examines the attitudes of students in Medical and Health Sciences faculties in Turkey toward Syrians and identifies the factors shaping these attitudes. 465 students were included in the cross-sectional study. Data were collected via an online survey form, which included demographic questions and the Attitudes Towards Syrians Scale. The survey included demographic questions and the Attitudes Toward Syrians Scale. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and linear regression analysis were employed for data analysis. Age was negatively correlated with discrimination scores (r=-0.203, p < 0.001), suggesting that older students exhibited lower levels of discrimination. Students with negative experiences involving Syrians had significantly higher discrimination scores (p < 0.001). Those perceiving fewer cultural similarities also had higher discrimination scores (p < 0.001). Faculty differences were significant, with Health Sciences students displaying higher discrimination scores than medical students (p = 0.008). Among departments, Emergency and Disaster Management students reported the highest levels of discrimination (p < 0.001). Age, cultural perceptions, and personal experiences influence students’ attitudes toward Syrians. Cultural awareness programs and opportunities for positive interactions may help reduce discrimination, particularly among younger students and those with limited cultural engagement. These findings emphasize the importance of inclusive education policies in fostering social cohesion within healthcare settings.

PMID:40569517 | DOI:10.1007/s10903-025-01729-3

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2025 Jun 26. doi: 10.1007/s11356-025-36619-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Land management practices have been implemented in various regions of Ethiopia since the 1980s to address land degradation, enhance land productivity, and improve the livelihoods of rural communities. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impacts of watershed management on crop yield potential in the Yezat watershed. Crop yield data were collected from 45 fixed plots using quadrant measurements (5 × 5 m) and from 346 households through a questionnaire survey within the watershed area. One-way ANOVA was employed to assess the mean variances of crop yield and yield attributes across different treatment groups. Additionally, a post hoc analysis was conducted to determine statistically significant differences in crop yields among the various treatments. A paired-samples t-test was also applied to compare teff crop yields before and after watershed management interventions. The findings of the study revealed a statistically significant difference in plant height across physical, bio-physical, and control farmlands (P ≤ 0.05). The tallest teff plants were found in areas with bio-physical watershed management interventions, followed by those with physical treatments, while the shortest plants were observed in untreated areas of the watershed. Similarly, the longest spike length (47.4 cm) was recorded in farmlands with bio-physical treatments, followed by those with physical treatments (44.4 cm). In contrast, the shortest spike length (30.3 cm) was observed in untreated farmlands. This difference is likely due to soil erosion, reduced soil moisture, and high bulk density in the untreated areas. Furthermore, the number of productive tillers in a 25-m2 area (from the upper, middle, and lower watershed), aboveground biomass yield, straw yield, and crop yields were significantly influenced by watershed management interventions (both bio-physical and physical types) (P ≤ 0.05). These improvements are likely linked to soil and water conservation (SWC) techniques, which enhance soil moisture availability by increasing infiltration and preventing the loss of vital soil nutrients through erosion. However, the number of tillers did not show a statistically significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) between treated and untreated areas of the study. Overall, the results suggest that watershed management positively impacts crop yield and yield attributes, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving agricultural productivity.

PMID:40569511 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-025-36619-6

Jpn J Ophthalmol. 2025 Jun 26. doi: 10.1007/s10384-025-01239-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of increased injection volume on intraocular pressure (IOP) following intravitreal injections of aflibercept 8 mg (70 µl) compared to conventional anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational study METHODS: This retrospective observational study included eyes treated with 50 µl of either aflibercept 2 mg or faricimab 6 mg, followed by a switch to 70 µl of aflibercept 8 mg. IOP was measured before and 30 minutes after intravitreal injections. IOP changes in treated and fellow eyes were analyzed, with potential associations examined between IOP changes and clinical parameters.

RESULTS: A total of 88 eyes from 85 patients were switched to aflibercept 8 mg during the study period. Due to incomplete data, 17 eyes from 15 patients were excluded, leaving 71 eyes from 70 patients for the analysis. IOP significantly increased from 13.2 ± 2.9 mmHg to 19.1± 5.4 mmHg (P< 0.001) with 50 µl injections and from 13.3 ± 2.9 mmHg to 19.8 ± 4.8 mmHg (P<0.001) with 70 µl injections. The IOP increases were 6.0 ± 5.0 mmHg with 50 µl injections and 6.5 ± 4.3 mmHg with 70 µl injections, with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.20). An IOP exceeding 26 mmHg was observed in 6 eyes treated with 50 µl injections and 10 eyes with 70 µl injections, with no significant difference in IOP distribution between the volumes (P = 0.20).

CONCLUSION: There was no additional increase in IOP 30 minutes after intravitreal injections when switching from 50 µl to 70 µl volumes.

PMID:40569499 | DOI:10.1007/s10384-025-01239-7

Environ Monit Assess. 2025 Jun 26;197(7):811. doi: 10.1007/s10661-025-14262-5.

ABSTRACT

Zooplankton communities are essential indicators of aquatic ecosystem health. Understanding their reactions to varying environmental conditions can provide valuable insights into freshwater ecosystems management. This study aims to compare the influence of environmental drivers on zooplankton biodiversity and community structure in two interconnected reservoirs with distinct morphometric and environmental characteristics in Northwestern Algeria: Cheliff, a shallow diversion reservoir supplies Kerrada, a deep storage reservoir. These reservoirs are integral to a large-scale project transferring dam water to provide drinking water for Mostaganem, Arzew, and Oran (M.A.O.) corridor. Monthly sampling over a two-year period (from November 2020 to October 2022) was conducted in these two reservoirs. We assessed the composition, abundance, and diversity of the main zooplankton groups: Rotifera, Copepoda, and Cladocera, to determine their adaptive responses to environmental conditions. Our findings indicate that morphometric, physical, and chemical differences between these reservoirs significantly impact zooplankton dynamics. Cheliff exhibited higher temperatures, alkalinity, salinity, and nutrient concentrations, attributed to its shallow depth (mean depth = 6 m) and anthropogenic pressures. In contrast, Kerrada’s greater depth (mean depth = 115 m) contributed to more stable water quality, lower turbidity, and prolonged nutrient retention. Zooplankton diversity patterns highlighted the influence of environmental variables. Cheliff reservoir supported higher species richness (28 species) compared to Kerrada reservoir (20 species), although both reservoirs showed similar Shannon diversity index (H’) values. Cheliff’s zooplankton community was dominated by opportunistic rotifers such as Keratella valga and Synchaeta pectinata, associated with eutrophic conditions and high turbidity. Conversely, Kerrada exhibited higher species evenness and dominance of cladocerans such as Diaphanosoma brachyurum, indicative of moderate-quality, oxygen-rich waters. Statistical analyses, including redundancy analysis (RDA), revealed strong correlations between environmental factors and zooplankton diversity, particularly microcrustaceans such as copepods and cladocerans. Cheliff was characterized by the high abundance of cyclopoida Acanthocyclops americanus and a lower abundance of cladocerans, while Kerrada was dominated by calanoida Copidodiaptomus numidicus and showed a higher abundance of cladocerans. Key environmental drivers shaping the distribution and abundance of zooplankton groups included temperature, turbidity, salinity, organic matter, and nutrient levels (notably orthophosphates and ammonium) in Cheliff reservoir, while dissolved oxygen, and lower nutrient concentrations played a pivotal role in structuring communities in Kerrada. These results indicate that nutrient availability, water depth, and habitat stability critically shape zooplankton community structure in these semi-arid reservoirs. This study provides new insights into the use of zooplankton as bioindicators, with significant implications for water quality assessment and ecological conservation strategies in similar Mediterranean ecosystems.

PMID:40569481 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-025-14262-5

Environ Monit Assess. 2025 Jun 26;197(7):812. doi: 10.1007/s10661-025-14243-8.

ABSTRACT

The impact of air pollution mitigation policies needs to be studied by evaluating long-term trends of lead pollutant to determine air quality index, the particulate matter (PM). A decade of SAFAR (System of Air quality and weather Forecasting And Research) observations revealed that the trend of particulate matter (PM) with size < 2.5 µm (PM_2.5) and size < 10 µm (PM₁₀), respectively, in a highly polluted global city, Delhi, shows a reduction of – 3.12 ± 0.52 µg/m³/year (- 4.68 ± 0.84 µg/m³/year) or overall, 28.8% (25.2%) reduction between 2011 and 2022 due to the implementation of eco-friendly technologies and strict industrial regulation despite doubling of number of vehicles. Seasonal negative trends during post-monsoon of PM_2.5 (- 4.64 ± 2.68 µg/m³/year) and PM₁₀ (- 8.64 ± 2.68 µg/m³/year) are significantly higher than that in other seasons. PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ show a relatively higher negative trend during winter (- 2.94 ± 1.08 µg/m³/year) and pre-monsoon (- 4.86 ± 2.07 µg/m³/year), respectively. The influence of dust storms, fire counts, and annual rainy days on PM trends is discussed. The contribution of meteorology to the trend is estimated using the WRF-Chem simulation of PM_2.5 for October when maximum stubble burning occurs in Haryana and Punjab regions and gets transported to Delhi by upwind flow. The model is run for the post-monsoon month (October) with the meteorological initial conditions of 2018, 2015, and 2011 while keeping the emissions of 2018 with identical model configuration and found that meteorology contributes 9.8%, while the observed decline in PM_2.5 is 28.8% during 2011-2022. The study identifies the governmental control measures at various levels and green initiatives as the significant contributors to air quality improvement during 2011-2022.

PMID:40569477 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-025-14243-8

J Math Biol. 2025 Jun 26;91(2):16. doi: 10.1007/s00285-025-02244-7.

ABSTRACT

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a new treatment against HIV spread consisting of taking antiretrovirals to prevent HIV infection. Silva (Discret Contin Dyn Syst Ser S 11:119-141, 2017) introduced a mathematical model of HIV spread including PrEP. Here we propose to complete their work by including the PrEP parameter in the basic reproduction number of the system. To do so, we study stability changes through the influence of this new parameter. We also prove the global stability of the steady states of the system in this new case using Lyapunov functions. Finally, we extend the stability to cases where death induced by AIDS is non-zero using exponential attractors to make the model more applicable to real-life scenarios.

PMID:40569472 | DOI:10.1007/s00285-025-02244-7

Pediatr Surg Int. 2025 Jun 26;41(1):194. doi: 10.1007/s00383-025-06103-w.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical conditions in pediatric and general surgery. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively investigate the management strategies of the appendiceal stump during transumbilical laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy for acute appendicitis in terms of surgical time, hospital length of stay, and postoperative complications.

METHODS: The records of patients < 18 years of age who were treated for acute appendicitis at our Pediatric Surgery Unit from December 2018 to January 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. Data were extrapolated from the departmental database, and clinical notes were reviewed.

RESULTS: The records of 278 patients who underwent appendectomy within a 5-year period at our institution were essentially used to compare appendiceal stump inversion and simple ligation. Appendiceal stump invagination was performed in 208 patients (74.8%), comprising 106 females (51.0%) and 102 males (49.0%), with a median age of 11 years (IQR 8-15) and a median weight of 36.5 kg (IQR 28-54). Twenty-six (12.5%) patients had associated conditions. The appendiceal stump was not invaginated in 70 children (25.2%), consisting of 26 females (37.1%) and 44 males (62.9%), with a median age of 11 years (IQR 8-14) and a median weight of 38.3 kg (IQR 29.5-47). Fourteen patients (20%) had associated pathologies. The two groups were similar in terms of sex (P = 0.05), age (P = 0.40), weight (P = 0.78), and associated pathologies (P = 0.12). Notably, 78.6% of appendicitis cases treated without stump invagination were uncomplicated, whereas 20% were complicated (4.3% abscess and 15.7% peritonitis cases). In contrast, stump invagination was performed in 87% of uncomplicated appendicitis and 13.1% of complicated appendicitis cases (6.8% abscess and 6.3% peritonitis cases). Therefore, simple ligation was also effective in complicated appendicitis cases (P = 0.03). In addition, the median surgical duration was 63.5 min (IQR 46-90) for patients undergoing stump inversion and 69 min (IQR 60-115) for patients undergoing simple ligation respectively (P = 0.02). Interestingly, statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in length of hospital stay (P = 0.21) and postoperative complications (P = 0.15).

CONCLUSION: Simple ligation does not compromise treatment efficacy nor increase postoperative complications, nor the length of hospital stay.

PMID:40569465 | DOI:10.1007/s00383-025-06103-w