Nevin Manimala

Trends Analyt Chem. 2024 Feb;171:117478. doi: 10.1016/j.trac.2023.117478. Epub 2023 Dec 12.

ABSTRACT

A literature survey was conducted to identify current practices used by NMR metabolomics investigators when conducting and reporting their metabolomics studies. A total of 463 papers from 2020 and 80 papers from 2010 were selected from PubMed and were manually analyzed by a team of investigators to assess the extent and completeness of the experimental procedures and protocols reported. A significant number of the papers did not report on essential experimental details, incompletely stated which statistical methods were used, improperly applied supervised multivariate statistical analyses, or lacked validation of statistical models. A large diversity of protocols and software were identified, which suggests a lack of consensus and a relatively limited use of commonly agreed upon standards for conducting and reporting NMR metabolomics studies. The overall intent of the survey is to inform and encourage the NMR metabolomics community to develop and adopt best-practices for the field.

PMID:40237011 | PMC:PMC11999570 | DOI:10.1016/j.trac.2023.117478

Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2025 Apr 15;13(4):e6694. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000006694. eCollection 2025 Apr.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Nerve and fascial plane blocks are common components of early recovery after surgery protocols for autologous breast reconstruction, but there is mixed data regarding their efficacy. This study evaluated the association between regional anesthesia and postoperative opioid use, patient-reported pain, length of stay (LOS), and duration of surgery.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of articles on regional anesthesia in autologous breast reconstruction and a dual extraction of outcomes. Data of interest included total, 24-hour, and 48-hour opioid use (intravenous [IV] morphine milligram equivalents [MMEs]), patient-reported pain, and length of surgery and stay. We performed meta-analyses with random effects models for mean difference (MD).

RESULTS: We included 21 studies for analysis. Total opioid use was reduced among patients who received regional anesthesia (MD = -10.28 IV MMEs, ~3 oxycodone 5-mg equivalents, P < 0.05), as was opioid use at 24 (MD = -21.65 IV MMEs, P < 0.05) and 48 hours (MD = -24.42, P < 0.05). However, total opioid use was not significantly different when considering only data from randomized trials. There was no significant reduction in patient-reported pain at 48 hours (standardized MD = -0.28), nor was there a significant reduction in the length of surgery (MD = -0.26 h). Regional anesthesia was associated with an average 0.73-day reduced LOS.

CONCLUSIONS: Regional anesthesia was associated with a statistically but not clinically significant reduction in total postoperative opioid use and LOS following autologous breast reconstruction. Total opioid use was not significantly different when considering only randomized controlled trial data.

PMID:40237009 | PMC:PMC11999404 | DOI:10.1097/GOX.0000000000006694

Brain Commun. 2025 Mar 3;7(1):fcaf054. doi: 10.1093/braincomms/fcaf054. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

The validation of brain injury biomarkers has encountered challenges such as the absence of pre-insult measurements, variability in injury timing and location, and inter-individual differences. In this study, we addressed these limitations by using magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MRgHIFU) thalamotomy to assess plasma biomarker changes after an acute focal brain injury. This prospective study included 30 essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease patients undergoing MRgHIFU thalamotomy at a single academic institution. Blood samples were collected at three specific time points: pre-procedure, 1-h post-procedure, and 48 h post-procedure. Plasma levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neurofilament light chain (NfL), amyloid beta (Aβ40 and Aβ42) and phosphorylated tau 181 (pTau-181) were measured using the quanterix single molecule arrays assay. GFAP levels were significantly increased at 48 h post-MRgHIFU in all patients with a thalamotomy lesion. GFAP levels at 48 h were highly sensitive (89.7%) and specific (96.6%) in detecting the presence of a lesion with a cut-off value of 216.2 pg/ml. NfL, Aβ40 and Aβ42, also showed statistically significant increases post-procedure but were less robust than GFAP. No changes were observed in pTau-181 levels post-MRgHIFU. Plasma GFAP has shown great promise as a sensitive and reliable biomarker for detecting acute brain injury after MRgHIFU thalamotomy. Its significant elevation following the procedure highlights its potential as a diagnostic tool for acute focal brain injuries, such as stroke. Further studies with additional time points are essential to validate the injury cut-off identified in this study and to assess its broader clinical utility for early detection of focal brain lesions.

PMID:40236997 | PMC:PMC11997805 | DOI:10.1093/braincomms/fcaf054

BioMedInformatics. 2023 Oct 8;3(4):853-868. doi: 10.3390/biomedinformatics3040053.

ABSTRACT

Protein variation that occurs during alternative splicing has been shown to play a major role in disease onset and oncogenesis. Due to this, we have developed OutSplice, a user-friendly algorithm to classify splicing outliers in tumor samples compared to a distribution of normal samples. Several tools have previously been developed to help uncover splicing events, each coming with varying methodologies, complexities, and features that can make it difficult for a new researcher to use or to determine which tool they should be using. Therefore, we benchmarked several algorithms to determine which may be best for a particular user’s needs and demonstrate how OutSplice differs from these methodologies. We find that despite detecting a lower number of genes with significant aberrant events, OutSplice is able to identify those that are biologically impactful. Additionally, we identify 17 genes that contain significant splicing alterations in tumor tissue that were discovered across at least 5 of the tested algorithms, making them good candidates for future studies. Overall, researchers should consider a combined use of OutSplice with other splicing software to help provide additional validation for aberrant splicing events and to narrow down biologically relevant events.

PMID:40236985 | PMC:PMC11997874 | DOI:10.3390/biomedinformatics3040053

Eur J Radiol Open. 2025 Apr 2;14:100649. doi: 10.1016/j.ejro.2025.100649. eCollection 2025 Jun.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of radiomics features extracted from ultrasonographic images in diagnosing and predicting the severity of knee osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS: In this single-center, prospective, observational study, radiomics features were extracted from standing radiographs and ultrasonographic images of knees of patients aged 40-85 years with primary medial OA and without OA. Analysis was conducted using LIFEx software (version 7.2.n), ANOVA, and LASSO regression. The diagnostic accuracy of three different models, including a statistical model incorporating background factors and machine learning models, was evaluated.

RESULTS: Among 491 limbs analyzed, 318 were OA and 173 were non-OA cases. The mean age was 72.7 (±8.7) and 62.6 (±11.3) years in the OA and non-OA groups, respectively. The OA group included 81 (25.5 %) men and 237 (74.5 %) women, whereas the non-OA group included 73 men (42.2 %) and 100 (57.8 %) women. A statistical model using the cutoff value of MORPHOLOGICAL_SurfaceToVolumeRatio (IBSI:2PR5) achieved a specificity of 0.98 and sensitivity of 0.47. Machine learning diagnostic models (Model 2) demonstrated areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.88 (discriminant analysis) and 0.87 (logistic regression), with sensitivities of 0.80 and 0.81 and specificities of 0.82 and 0.80, respectively. For severity prediction, the statistical model using MORPHOLOGICAL_SurfaceToVolumeRatio (IBSI:2PR5) showed sensitivity and specificity values of 0.78 and 0.86, respectively, whereas machine learning models achieved an AUC of 0.92, sensitivity of 0.81, and specificity of 0.85 for severity prediction.

CONCLUSION: The use of radiomics features in diagnosing knee OA shows potential as a supportive tool for enhancing clinicians’ decision-making.

PMID:40236979 | PMC:PMC11999524 | DOI:10.1016/j.ejro.2025.100649

Ann Appl Stat. 2019 Mar;13(1):85-112. doi: 10.1214/18-AOAS1193. Epub 2019 Apr 10.

ABSTRACT

This article focuses on the problem of studying shared- and individual-specific structure in replicated networks or graph-valued data. In particular, the observed data consist of $n$ graphs, $G_i$ , $i=1,\dots ,n$ , with each graph consisting of a collection of edges between $V$ nodes. In brain connectomics, the graph for an individual corresponds to a set of interconnections among brain regions. Such data can be organized as a $V\times V$ binary adjacency matrix $A_i$ for each $i$ , with ones indicating an edge between a pair of nodes and zeros indicating no edge. When nodes have a shared meaning across replicates $i=1,\dots ,n$ , it becomes of substantial interest to study similarities and differences in the adjacency matrices. To address this problem, we propose a method to estimate a common structure and low-dimensional individual-specific deviations from replicated networks. The proposed Multiple GRAph Factorization (M-GRAF) model relies on a logistic regression mapping combined with a hierarchical eigenvalue decomposition. We develop an efficient algorithm for estimation and study basic properties of our approach. Simulation studies show excellent operating characteristics and we apply the method to human brain connectomics data.

PMID:40236978 | PMC:PMC11999652 | DOI:10.1214/18-AOAS1193

ARYA Atheroscler. 2022 Jun;18(6):2405. doi: 10.48305/arya.2022.11771.2405. Epub 2022 Dec 1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Various mechanisms suggest that periodontal pathogens and inflammatory processes contribute to systemic pathogenic processes such as atherosclerosis. This study investigated the possibility of a correlation between the presence of incidentally found calcifications along the course of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and tooth loss and periodontal status.

METHOD: A retrospective CBCT analysis was performed on 110 patients. CBCT scans obtained as a part of the dental examinations were analyzed for missing teeth and evidence of any calcification along the ICA course. The mean age, gender, and the total number of missing teeth for all scans revealing calcifications were evaluated.

RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 110 scans, with the cohort’s mean age (SD) of 50.01 (±11.6) and gender distribution of 53.4% females and 43.6% males. A total of 17% of the scans exhibited the presence of calcification. A comparison of missing teeth between the two groups revealed that the group with calcification exhibited more missing teeth, which was statistically significant with a P-value of 0.01. Comparison of the apical lesions between the two groups revealed that apical lesion was higher in the group with calcification and was statistically significant with a P-value of 0.011.

CONCLUSIONS: The greater the number of missing teeth, the higher the chances of calcifications being detected along the course of the ICA.

PMID:40236976 | PMC:PMC11994866 | DOI:10.48305/arya.2022.11771.2405

Front Psychol. 2025 Apr 1;16:1515054. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1515054. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The concept of sense of work gain encapsulates the profound psychological gratification and forward-looking aspirations that arise when an individual’s dedicated efforts at work are met with equitable material and spiritual compensation. Despite a wealth of research on its correlation with job satisfaction and innovative behaviors among educators, the underlying mechanisms linking sense of work gain to job performance remain understudied. This study introduces a nuanced moderated mediation framework to elucidate the pathways through which sense of work gain influences the job performance of teachers, spotlighting the pivotal role of organizational commitment and the nuanced impact of supportive leadership.

METHODS: With a focus on the kindergarten teaching workforce, an extensive survey was administered to 1,081 educators across Shaanxi and Gansu provinces in China. Subsequent hypothesis testing was performed using statistical tools SPSS 27.0 and AMOS 24.0.

RESULTS: The research results indicated that sense of work gain had a significant positive predictive effect on the job performance of kindergarten teachers. Organizational commitment played a mediating role between sense of work gain and the job performance of kindergarten teachers. Supportive leadership not only positively moderated the relationship between sense of work gain and the job performance of kindergarten teachers but also positively moderated the relationships between sense of work gain and organizational commitment, as well as between organizational commitment and job performance.

DISCUSSION: These findings revealed a significant positive effect of job fulfillment on the work performance of kindergarten teachers and elucidated the mediating effect of organizational commitment as well as the positive moderating role of supportive leadership in this process. These discoveries emphasized the importance of enhancing teachers’ job fulfillment, strengthening organizational commitment, and cultivating a supportive leadership style for optimizing the work performance of kindergarten teachers, providing education administrators with effective strategies for improving teachers’ working environment and enhancing teaching quality.

PMID:40236963 | PMC:PMC11996770 | DOI:10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1515054

J Vasc Surg Cases Innov Tech. 2025 Mar 4;11(3):101770. doi: 10.1016/j.jvscit.2025.101770. eCollection 2025 Jun.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of quantitative fluorescence angiography with intra-arterial dye injection (Q-iaFA) for intraoperative guidance during revascularization procedures in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI).

METHODS: In this observational cohort study, 14 patients with CLTI undergoing endovascular intervention were included. Q-iaFA was performed directly before and after revascularization. The parameters time to peak (TTP) and normalized peak slope (PS_norm) were derived from intensity-time curves that were measured on the plantar side of the foot in five regions of interest. The main outcome was defined as the change in these Q-iaFA parameters between pre- and postoperative measurements in the region of interest with the most inferior preoperative value. Expected impact of revascularization was classified into strong, moderate or absent, based on intraoperative radiographic imaging and the Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society II standards.

RESULTS: Q-iaFA was successful without complications in all patients. Revascularization impact was classified as strong in 8 (57%), moderate in 5 (36%), and as absent in 1 (7%) patients. In the strong impact group, a significant decrease in TTP and increase in PS_norm was observed (P = .004). The same trend was less pronounced in the moderate impact group, without statistical significance (P = .104 and P = .094). Conversely, in the patient with no expected revascularization impact, TTP increased and PS_norm decreased.

CONCLUSIONS: Q-iaFA is a feasible technique to evaluate peripheral tissue perfusion during vascular interventions. The extracted perfusion parameters are directly affected by revascularization of arterial lesions in patients with CLTI. This finding suggests that Q-iaFA may be useful to guide intraoperative decision making. Work is required to refine quantification strategies and relate Q-iaFA parameters to clinical outcomes.

PMID:40236913 | PMC:PMC11999592 | DOI:10.1016/j.jvscit.2025.101770

Front Neurol. 2025 Apr 1;16:1566819. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2025.1566819. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Many NHL teams roster players whose primary responsibility is fighting with opposing players. Over time, these “enforcers” may experience repetitive head impacts (RHI), a risk factor for serious long-term health consequences including neurodegenerative disease. This study examined whether retired NHL enforcers and non-enforcers differ on two long-term health outcomes.

METHODS: In this matched cohort study conducted with retrospective, publicly available data, cohorts of former NHL enforcers and non-enforcers were compared on mortality, and CTE diagnosis. NHL players were deemed enforcers (ENFs, n = 239) if listed in a Wikipedia piece entitled “List of NHL enforcers.” A randomly selected sample of non-enforcers (non-ENFs, n = 239) were matched to ENFs on year of birth and the first NHL season played. Goalies and players with less than 30 games of NHL experience were excluded.

RESULTS: The matching procedure resulted in equivalent cohorts with respect to birth year (1969.9) and first NHL season played (1991.3). Significantly more ENFs had died (n = 23, 9.6% vs. n = 9, 3.8%; p = 0.01) and significantly more ENFs had been given a diagnosis of CTE (n = 7, 2.9% vs. n = 1, 0.4%; p < 0.05). While not statistically significant, age at death averaged 9+ years younger among ENFs (mean = 53.6) compared to non-ENFs (mean = 63). Players born in Canada were over-represented in the ENF cohort.

CONCLUSION: This study found higher mortality and more diagnoses of CTE in a cohort of enforcers relative to matched non-enforcers. Given expanding evidence linking RHI to life-threatening long-term health impacts, the NHL must protect players and mandate rule changes that minimize or eliminate fighting.

PMID:40236900 | PMC:PMC11996648 | DOI:10.3389/fneur.2025.1566819