Nevin Manimala

Front Plant Sci. 2025 Jun 4;16:1555607. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2025.1555607. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Tropical montane cloud forests (TMCFs) host specialized plant species reliant on persistent atmospheric humidity, including fog immersion obligates and relict assemblages. Understanding anatomical and morphological adaptations in TMCF woody angiosperms is critical for elucidating their acclimation strategies to hydric stress under shifting fog regimes. This study investigates interspecific variability in wood and leaf traits among 10 TMCF tree species in Mexico’s Medio Monte Natural Protected Area, hypothesizing that distinct anatomical strategies emerge in response to climatic stressors.

METHODS: Wood anatomical (e.g., vessel density, hydraulic diameter, fiber length) and leaf morphological traits (e.g., lamina length, vein density, leaf organization) were analyzed across species. Traits were correlated with climatic variables-mean maximum/minimum temperatures, monthly precipitation, and evapotranspiration-to identify adaptive patterns. Statistical analyses quantified interspecific differences and assessed trait-climate relationships.

RESULTS: Significant interspecific divergence occurred in both wood and leaf traits. Wood anatomy was strongly influenced by mean maximum temperature, precipitation, and evapotranspiration, affecting vessel density, vulnerability index, ray dimensions, and fiber length. Leaf traits correlated with temperature extremes and evapotranspiration, driving variation in leaf size, apex/base morphology, venation complexity, and marginal teeth. Notably, hydraulic efficiency (e.g., wider vessels) aligned with higher precipitation, while drought-associated traits (e.g., denser veins) linked to elevated temperatures.

DISCUSSION: TMCF species exhibit trait-based strategies balancing hydraulic safety and efficiency, reflecting niche partitioning under microclimatic gradients. Temperature and water availability differentially shape wood and leaf adaptations, with vessel architecture and venation patterns acting as key regulators of water loss. These findings underscore the functional diversity of TMCF trees and their capacity to acclimate to environmental variability. Conservation efforts must prioritize microclimate preservation to safeguard these adaptive traits amid climate change.

PMID:40535929 | PMC:PMC12175852 | DOI:10.3389/fpls.2025.1555607

Contemp Clin Trials Commun. 2025 Jun 6;46:101507. doi: 10.1016/j.conctc.2025.101507. eCollection 2025 Aug.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of the Stress Management and Resilience Training (SMART) in increasing the resilience of U.S. Air Force personnel. We aim to recruit up to 500 active component Air Force personnel and provide a two-arm randomization modality to make SMART more accessible and adaptive to the personnel’s schedules. Two-arm randomization will be used to assign three sites for participants to choose in-person or computer-based training (CBT) and two sites where participants are randomized into their training type (in-person or CBT). The use of two-arm randomization will enable the examination of the difference between real-world settings within the framework of causal inference, as well as, differences based upon self-selection and a randomized control trial. We propose to examine the intervention effects at 12, 24 and 36-weeks post-intervention. Initial analysis will include descriptive statistics to characterize demographic status, military grade, duty location, and military occupation. The objectives of our analyses will include testing and estimating the intervention effects by comparing pre-post intervention changes in resilience, stress, anxiety, and QoL at each follow-up. Scores will also be pooled to test for overall intervention effects over time. Intervention effectiveness will be reported by comparing mean or median effects using 95 % confidence intervals and effect size estimates. An analysis of the longitudinal trend over the study period will be conducted by simultaneously examining data from all follow-ups using mixed-effects models in which random effects will be used to characterize between and within-subject variations.

PMID:40535922 | PMC:PMC12174564 | DOI:10.1016/j.conctc.2025.101507

Food Sci Nutr. 2025 Jun 17;13(6):e70441. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.70441. eCollection 2025 Jun.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of monosodium glutamate (MSG) as a flavor enhancer in increasing vegetable intake compared to sodium chloride (NaCl) alone combined with a digital culinary medicine education program. A two-phase randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted from February to November 2023. Phase one involved a five-week intervention where participants received a designated seasoning and logged their vegetable intake using the MyFitnessPal app. Phase two involved a sensory evaluation, assessing the palatability of green beans and sweet potatoes seasoned with NaCl/MSG mixtures using a Likert scale and triangle tests to determine preference and palatability. Phase one; 60 participants were assigned to one of three groups: 100% NaCl (control), 50/50 NaCl/MSG, and 70/30 NaCl/MSG. Phase two; 88 participants and all seasoning groups received a digital culinary medicine education program with recipes and videos. The 50/50 NaCl/MSG group showed a mean increase in vegetable intake from 1.46 to 1.55 cups/day, while the NaCl group showed a decrease from 1.33 to 0.95 cups/day (p = 0.46). Preference tests indicated favorability trends for MSG mixtures, particularly with green beans seasoned with the 50/50 NaCl/MSG mixture (p = 0.07). Although the differences in vegetable intake were not statistically significant, the findings suggest that MSG could enhance vegetable palatability and intake, aligning with the principles of culinary medicine. This represents a promising strategy for improving dietary habits. Further research is warranted to confirm these findings. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT05591612.

PMID:40535918 | PMC:PMC12173827 | DOI:10.1002/fsn3.70441

Food Sci Nutr. 2025 Jun 18;13(6):e70463. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.70463. eCollection 2025 Jun.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to evaluate the oxidative stability and vitamin A retention of fortified sunflower oil intended for edible use, under different storage conditions over a six-month period. Sunflower oil samples were enriched with retinyl palmitate in four concentrations (15,30,60,90 μg/g) and stored in transparent and brown glass bottles under daylight and dark conditions for six months. Oxidative stabilities of the samples (Rancimat) were measured at the beginning of the study. The other analysis including retinyl palmitate levels, peroxide value, conjugated diene and triene, and free fatty acids contents were performed at the beginning and monthly intervals over a six-month storage period. The results were evaluated using some statistical tests at significance levels of p < 0.05 and p < 0.001. The analysis revealed that, at the end of the sixth month, the highest levels of retinyl palmitate were retained in the groups fortified with 90 μg/g and stored in dark conditions, specifically in transparent bottles (89.39 ± 1.38 μg/g) and brown bottles (80.87 ± 4.05 μg/g). The highest peroxide values were observed after storage in the control group stored under light conditions in transparent bottles (43.92 ± 4.65 meq O₂/kg oil), and in the group fortified with 15 μg/g under the same conditions (55.66 ± 14.12 meq O₂/kg oil). Enriched sunflower oil exhibited a statistically significant increase in free fatty acid contents over time. In conclusion, storage time, light exposure, and bottle color significantly influenced oxidation and quality parameters. Proper storage conditions, particularly protection from light, are essential for maintaining the stability of retinyl palmitate-enriched sunflower oil. Based on these findings, it is recommended that vitamin A-enriched sunflower oils be stored in brown or light-resistant bottles, kept away from direct light, and consumed relatively promptly to minimize oxidative degradation and preserve vitamin A stability.

PMID:40535913 | PMC:PMC12174659 | DOI:10.1002/fsn3.70463

Am J Lifestyle Med. 2025 Jun 16:15598276251337409. doi: 10.1177/15598276251337409. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Lifestyle Medicine Interest Groups (LMIG) have grown substantially since 2008, with 165 LMIGs established across the U.S. as of June 2024. The American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) supports LMIG establishment within academic and health system settings, providing opportunities for students, faculty, and employees to learn about and practice lifestyle medicine (LM). A cross-sectional survey containing multiple-choice and free-text questions was administered continuously to established LMIGs between March 2020 and May 2023. Descriptive statistics were generated to note the number of unique institutions, median number of events, event attendance, and frequency of event types. Thematic analysis was conducted for all free-text sections of the survey. Data from 1,062 LMIG events across 127 unique institutions with a total of 29,689 attendees was analyzed. Each institution had a median of 5 events with a median of 16 attendees. Lectures, group physical activities, and board meetings were most common. Quantitative findings reveal substantial growth among LMIG events, expansion across geographic locations, and insights into funding sources. Nutrition and physical activity were most frequently highlighted, while social connection, sleep, and avoidance of risky substances were least represented. LMIGs are growing in number and size, empowering future health professionals through LM awareness.

PMID:40535906 | PMC:PMC12170554 | DOI:10.1177/15598276251337409

Heliyon. 2025 May 7;11(10):e43372. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e43372. eCollection 2025 May.

ABSTRACT

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10349.].

PMID:40535847 | PMC:PMC12169224 | DOI:10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e43372

Clin Med Insights Oncol. 2025 Jun 16;19:11795549251347339. doi: 10.1177/11795549251347339. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The incidence of testicular tumors during the COVID-19 pandemic has raised questions about the potential impact of viral infection on tumor development. This study aimed to explore the relationship between COVID-19 and testicular tumors through a retrospective analysis of 32 cases diagnosed before and during the pandemic.

METHODS: A total of 32 testicular tumors were analyzed, with distribution based on the year of diagnosis. Immunohistochemical studies were conducted to assess SARS-CoV-2 and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression in tumor cells.

RESULTS: The highest frequency of tumor diagnoses was observed in 2021 (19.4%), with a notable increase in diagnoses in 2022 compared with pre-pandemic years. No significant correlation was found between COVID-19 infection and tumor types (P = .476). The distribution of seminoma and mixed germ cell tumors (MGCT) was similar in both periods. Strong SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity was found in 11 cases, with expression primarily in Leydig cells and some in Sertoli and plasma cells. The difference in SARS-CoV-2 expression between periods was statistically significant (P = 0013). The ACE2 expression was observed in all tumor groups, but statistical analysis was not significant.

CONCLUSION: The presence of SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein in the tumor microenvironment, particularly during the pandemic, suggests an indirect role of the virus in the development of testicular tumors. Although SARS-CoV-2 does not exhibit direct oncogenic effects, its presence could influence tumorigenesis through mechanisms like inflammation and oxidative stress. The ACE2 expression further supports the hypothesis that the virus may trigger adaptive changes in tumor cells. The SARS-CoV-2 could act as a co-factor in tumor progression, especially in individuals predisposed to testicular tumors.

PMID:40535841 | PMC:PMC12174795 | DOI:10.1177/11795549251347339

J Orthop. 2025 Jun 3;69:162-171. doi: 10.1016/j.jor.2025.06.002. eCollection 2025 Nov.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Restoring the sagittal balance of the spine has gained significant importance. Still there is little data objectifying the influence of a monosegmental fusion or the implants used.This is a comparative study that directly contrasts PLIF and TLIF regarding their impact on sagittal balance. In this study 53 patients who received a monosegmental lumbar fusion were followed up.

METHODS: 53 patients (37 women, 16 men, average age 57.4 years) who received a monosegmental spondylodesis were followed up with an average time of 15.1 months.To objectify the potential postoperative changes radiographs were made to measure the index segments lordosis as well as the lumbar lordosis overall. A further subdivision was made according to the operated functional spinal segment treated and cage used.

RESULTS: Overall no significant changes in total or segmental lordosis were found. Statistically significant changes were measurable on immediately postoperative radiographs and declined in time, while lumbar lordosis decreased, segmental lordosis increased. Segmental lordosis was consistent. Comparing patients operated in PLIF and TLIF technique the overall lordosis showed the same patterns. Segmental lordosis was increased postoperatively (p = 0.0162). Followed by a significant loss (p = 0.0405). The TM 500 PLIF Cage showed a significantly improved lumbar lordosis over the course compared with postoperative values, but not in comparison to the preoperative values.

CONCLUSION: We were unable to find significant difference of the sagittal profile after a monosegmental instrumentation and fusion in the lumbar spine. However, the PLIF procedure seems to be superior with regards of lordosis restoration. The L4/5 segment also seems to have a greater potential for correction the L5/S1 segment in the long term.

PMID:40535833 | PMC:PMC12172983 | DOI:10.1016/j.jor.2025.06.002

Langmuir. 2025 Jun 18. doi: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.5c01235. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This current research implements statistical physics principles to microscopically elucidate and interpret the retention mechanism of Captopril onto the activated carbon derived from Butia catarinensis (ABc-600) for water decontamination. The empirical points were modeled exploiting four different statistical isotherm frameworks: the single-energy monolayer, dual-energy monolayer, trienergetic monolayer and dual-energy bilayer. Supported by an error quantification approach (R², Reduced Chi-Square, RSS and R_adj²) the single-energy monolayer was identified as the most rigorous scenario. Stereographic analysis revealed that the adsorption sites consistently capture a fraction of the adsorbed species with n < 1 across all tested temperatures indicating a multianchorage mechanism without aggregation. The decrease in the monolayer adsorbed amount with incrementing temperature highlights the endothermic nature of the Captopril/ABc-600 retention mechanism. Moreover, the energetic assessment corroborates the predominance of physisorption (<40 kJ/mol) indicating that van der Waals forces primarily govern the docking operation. PSD examination revealed a predominantly macroporous structure (0.7 μm) with a discernible shift toward smaller pore radii at elevated temperatures. The AED curves consistently displayed physisorption within the 22-29 kJ/mol energy range across all temperature conditions.

PMID:40533879 | DOI:10.1021/acs.langmuir.5c01235

Diabetol Metab Syndr. 2025 Jun 18;17(1):226. doi: 10.1186/s13098-025-01802-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Metabolic factors are considered to influence disease progression in patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), but the impact of individual metabolic factors on the survival rate of patients with MASLD is still unclear.

AIMS: This article aims to reveal how metabolic components affect the survival of patients with this disease.

METHODS: A total of 3,086 participants with MASLD based on the diagnostic criteria established at the Delphi conference from NHANES III were included in this analysis. COX regression model (C-index = 0.64) was used to analyze the all-cause and attributable mortality of different number of metabolic factors. Elastic Network Regression model (C-index = 0.69), Accelerated Failure Time model and Randomized Survival Forest model (C-index = 0.63) based on machine learning were used to analyze the weight of each metabolic factor, and a Metabolism-related survival risk score formula was established and verified.

RESULTS: This study found that not only the number of metabolic factors had different effects on all-cause survival in MASLD patients, but also the degree of impact of different metabolic factors on survival was quite different, among which poor glycemic control was the most important influencing factor.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights the clinical value of relevant metabolic factors in predicting survival in the MASLD patient population. Related metabolic factors can be used as surrogate biomarkers for the follow-up of MASLD patients.

PMID:40533869 | DOI:10.1186/s13098-025-01802-9