Nevin Manimala

Sci Rep. 2025 Dec 13. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-31900-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Predicting the critical crack propagation length (CCPL) of sustainable additive-enhanced concrete (SAEC) is a significant challenge in structural durability analysis and fracture mechanics. Experimental and numerical techniques often face limitations of complexity, cost, and computational inefficiency. To overcome these limitations, this paper presents a comprehensive machine learning framework that integrates ensemble, kernel-based, and deep learning models. A high-quality experimental dataset of 800 SAEC samples, incorporating nine key features and controlled curing, mixing, and fracture testing, was prepared. Model performance was evaluated using different statistical indices under both hold-out and k-fold cross-validation. Among all the machine learning models, the novel Neural Tangent Kernel Gaussian Process (NTK-GP) achieved the best predictive performance with R² = 0.95‒0.96, RMSE = 0.74‒0.90 mm, MAPE = 0.09‒0.14, and VAF = 0.95‒0.96. The NTK-GP’s hybrid architecture, which unites the flexibility of neural representations with Bayesian uncertainty quantification, enabled accurate, smooth, and stable predictions even under nonlinear, high-dimensional data. Statistical significance tests, such as the Friedman and Nemenyi tests, confirmed that the NTK-GP is statistically comparable to several state-of-the-art models. Explainable AI analysis using SHAP revealed that fiber type (FT) and fiber volume content (FVC) are the most influential features, accounting for over 65% of the model’s variance in CCPL. SHAP interaction and dependency plots showed strong combined influences between FT and FVC, especially with steel and basalt fibers at higher volumes. This supports the idea that these fibers bridge cracks and dissipate energy. Bootstrap-based 95% confidence intervals were applied for uncertainty quantification, confirming the predictive reliability by showing consistent coverage across the dataset. This study pioneers the use of NTK-GP for fracture mechanics. It demonstrates that integrating explainable machine learning with uncertainty-aware regression provides a data-efficient, robust, and interpretable alternative to experimental and numerical methods. The proposed framework not only enhances CCPL prediction accuracy and computational efficiency but also contributes to the broader goal of designing sustainable, fracture-resistant concrete materials through intelligent and data-driven modeling.

PMID:41390865 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-31900-7

Sci Rep. 2025 Dec 13. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-32653-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Intestinal parasitic infections remain a major global public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites, identify associated risk factors, and compare diagnostic techniques among school children in both central and rural areas of Shendi locality, Sudan. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2021 to April 2024. A total of 1,200 students were selected using a simple random sampling method. Data were collected through direct interviews using a pretested questionnaire. Stool specimens were collected in clean, labeled plastic containers and examined microscopically for eggs, cysts, and trophozoites using three diagnostic techniques: Wet preparation, Formol-ether concentration (FECT), and Flotation (FLO). Data were analyzed using SPSS^V22 software. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 35.3% (423/1200; 95% CI: 32.7-38.0), with a mean infection intensity of 12.04 ± 1.9 eggs per gram (EPG), (Estimation of Egg Per Gram (EPG); mean ± standard deviation (SD)). Prevalence was higher in males (38.1%) than females (33.7%) but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.09). Infection decreased significantly with increasing age (p < 0.001); It peaked among children aged 5-7 years (47.0%), then declined to 33.8% at 8-10 years and 27.0% at 11-13 years. Regarding diagnostic performance, FECT tended to show slightly higher fecal egg counts (mean = 7.1 ± 1.2 EPG) compared to FLO (mean = 5.1 ± 0.8 EPG), (where ± represents the standard deviation). Six genera of intestinal parasites were identified: protozoa (Entamoeba coli 11.7%, Entamoeba histolytica 8.8%, Giardia duodenalis 7.3%) and helminths (Enterobius vermicularis 2.6%, Hymenolepis nana 4.7%, Taenia spp. 0.3%). Infection prevalence showed significant variation by residential area, age group, awareness of transmission, handwashing practices, and presence of symptoms (p < 0.05). The study demonstrated a moderate prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among school-aged children in Shendi locality (35.3%), with higher rates among younger children and those residing in rural areas. Six parasite genera were identified. Infection was significantly associated with hygiene behaviors, handwashing practices, and awareness of transmission (p < 0.05). The formol-ether concentration technique showed higher diagnostic sensitivity than flotation. These findings highlight the need for integrated interventions combining deworming, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) improvements, and school-based health education to reduce reinfection and achieve sustainable parasite control in Shendi and similar settings.

PMID:41390864 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-32653-z

Sci Rep. 2025 Dec 13. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-30887-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYNs) mothers, serving dual roles as healthcare providers and patients, present an interesting demographic for studying this dynamic, particularly in China where empirical data on this subject is limited. The study aimed to determine whether OB-GYNs experience better pregnancy outcomes compared to non-physician women, hypothesizing that their medical background could lead to different health behaviors and outcomes. This was a retrospective matched cohort study conducted at the Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. It included 100 OB-GYNs who gave birth between January 2012 and April 2022 and a matched control group of 200 non-medical background women. Outcomes measured were Cesarean section rates, emergency cesarean section, operative vaginal delivery, birth weight, Apgar score, and various pregnancy and childbirth complications. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, generalized estimating equation model and Fisher’s exact tests. Cesarean section rates were similar between OB-GYNs (32%) and non-physicians (36.5%). OB-GYNs had similar incidences of pregnancy complications compared with non-physicians except postpartum hemorrhage (0% in OB-GYNs vs. 5.5% in non-physicians, P = 0.018). The findings indicate that OB-GYNs do not differ significantly from non-physician women in terms of Cesarean section rates and incidences of pregnancy complications except postpartum hemorrhage.

PMID:41390862 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-30887-5

Sci Rep. 2025 Dec 13. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-31857-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is a growing health issue, especially among the very elderly. The optimal dialysis method for very elderly patients with ESKD remains uncertain, and there is a lack of evidence regarding the survival benefits of hemodialysis (HD) versus peritoneal dialysis (PD). This study is a multicenter cohort investigation that included 234 very elderly patients aged 75 years and older with ESKD who received HD or PD across six hospitals in China from January 2013 to December 2020. We employed Propensity Score Matching (PSM) to minimize the influence of confounding factors. Survival analyses were conducted using Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests, and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models for the matched cohorts. In the multicenter cohort study with 234 very elderly ESKD patients, PSM was employed, with each group consisting of 56 participants, averaging 79.76 ± 4.15 years in age and having a male composition of 47.44%. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated with no significant difference in survival rates (log-rank p = 0.123). Further analysis, excluding participants with less than 3 months of survival, also showed no significant differences. Cox regression with multiple variables indicated a HR of 0.73 (95% CI: 0.49, 1.10) for HD versus PD, with a p-value of 0.132. This investigation did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in survival between PD and HD among very elderly patients with ESKD.

PMID:41390859 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-31857-7

Sci Rep. 2025 Dec 13. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-25575-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Grouping by proximity is a fundamental principle of human vision where elements close to each other are perceived as a group. This study examined the hysteresis effect in proximity-based grouping of dots in rectangular lattices in the presence of orientation biases. To induce perceptual switching, interdot distances in a specific direction were gradually increased or decreased on a trial-by-trial basis during ascending and descending sequences. To address orientation biases, stimuli were presented along two axes, each with two orientations. This design allowed investigation of perceptual switching between vertical and horizontal grouping in the cardinal axis and between 45° and 135° grouping in the oblique axis. Data from 34 participants were analyzed by fitting psychometric functions and the Lotka-Volterra-Haken (LVH) model-a dynamical model of neural population competition-with statistical analysis using linear mixed-effects models. The results revealed a strong preference for the vertical orientation in the cardinal axis and a slight bias toward 135° in the oblique axis. A significant hysteresis effect was found in both axes, with ascending transition points consistently exceeded descending points. Interestingly, this effect remained unaffected by stimulus axis or orientation, indicating robustness against orientation biases. A significant positive correlation in hysteresis across axes suggests it may represent a personal perceptual characteristic. The LVH model’s numerical simulation effectively captured the dynamic behavior of competing responses and their bifurcation during perceptual switching. The model demonstrated acceptable accuracy in estimating transition points and simulating individual responses. Moreover, its parameters reflected the observed data patterns and provided a mechanistic account of perceptual switching in proximity-based grouping.

PMID:41390855 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-25575-3

Sci Rep. 2025 Dec 13. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-31124-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Soybean (Glycine max) is an important source of plant-based protein and oil, but its cultivation is highly sensitive to climate conditions. In Poland, interest in soybean is growing due to climate change and increasing demand for protein-rich crops. However, cultivation of photophilic crops is still limited. This study presents results from field trials conducted in Northern Poland from 2017 to 2019, involving 13 registered soybean cultivars tested at 10 locations. The aim of the study was to evaluate seed yield, protein and fat content and protein yield under varying environmental conditions. Weather variability, particularly temperature and rainfall, had a greater influence on results than the cultivar tested. Advanced statistical analyses showed that, of all 13 tested cultivars, Moravians (mid-late) had the most favorable WAAS and GSI values in terms of protein yield. According to WTOP3 score, the Kofu (late) cultivar had the highest adaptability for seeds yield and protein yield. Protein yield is the most important indicator of the profitablility of soybean cultivation in countries with a deficit of feed plant protein. The study supports targeted cultivar selection to improve soybean production under changing climate conditions in countries located at higher latitudes, such as Poland.

PMID:41390847 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-31124-9

Stem Cell Res Ther. 2025 Dec 13. doi: 10.1186/s13287-025-04824-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Radiation-induced xerostomia (RIX) is a frequent, debilitating complication of head and neck radiotherapy for cancer. Preclinical studies suggest that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may protect and regenerate salivary glands, but clinical evidence remains fragmented. This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of MSC therapy for RIX patients.

METHODS: Comprehensive searches of PubMed, Wiley Online Library, Cochrane, and CNKI were conducted up to July 2025 to identify relevant clinical studies. Two investigators independently screened records. A total of seven trials (n = 360 participants) were included. Meta-analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.4 and R Studio, with unstimulated whole salivary flow rate (UWS) as the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included stimulated whole salivary flow rate (SWS), Xerostomia Questionnaire (XQ) scores, and serious adverse events (SAE). Meta-analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.4 and R 4.5.1, with UWS as the primary endpoint. Heterogeneity was assessed by I² and large-study effects by Egger’s test. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD420250521958).

RESULTS: Pooled analysis of the seven trials showed a statistically significant but clinically negligible increase in UWS with MSCs compared to controls (WMD = 0.02 mL/min, 95% CI: 0.00 to 0.03, p = 0.04). No significant differences were found for SWS (WMD = – 0.12 mL/min, 95% CI – 0.28 to 0.04) or XQ scores (WMD = – 0.54, 95% CI – 1.96 to 0.88; p = 0.46). The risk of SAE was not significantly different between groups (OR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.00-3.84, p = 0.05). Substantial heterogeneity was observed (I² >90%). Exploratory network meta-analysis suggested that bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMMSC) might outperform adipose-derived MSCs (ADMSC), but this finding is hypothesis-generating due to being based on a single BMMSC study.

CONCLUSIONS: MSC transplantationresults in a statistically significant but clinically marginal improvement in UWS for RIX, with no significant increase in SAE. The current evidence does not support the superiority of MSC therapy over conventional management. Future large-scale trials are required to determine if optimized MSC strategies can achieve clinically meaningful benefits.

PMID:41390814 | DOI:10.1186/s13287-025-04824-2

Eur J Med Res. 2025 Dec 13. doi: 10.1186/s40001-025-03354-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIMD) is a severe yet potentially reversible complication of sepsis, characterized by myocardial dysfunction and associated with high short-term mortality. Conventional scoring systems and traditional statistical models inadequately capture the complex pathophysiology of SIMD, highlighting the need for robust prognostic tools.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 1068 adult SIMD patients from the MIMIC-IV database, of whom 236 (22.1%) died within 28 days of ICU discharge. Candidate predictors were screened using Boruta, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO), and Recursive Feature Elimination with Cross-Validation (RFECV). Eight machine learning algorithms were developed and compared. Model performance was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, decision curve analysis, confusion matrices, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) statistics. Model interpretability was assessed with SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP).

RESULTS: Seven independent predictors were identified: Acute Physiology Score III (APS III), age, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), cerebrovascular disease, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate, and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB). Logistic regression achieved consistent discrimination, with AUC values of 0.80 (95% CI 0.79-0.82) in the training set, 0.80 (95% CI 0.77-0.84) in the validation set, and 0.88 (95% CI 0.81-0.94) in the test set. Model accuracies were 70.0%, 67.0%, and 79.0%, respectively, with sensitivities ranging from 0.76-0.82 and specificities from 0.65-0.79. Negative predictive values (NPV) remained high (0.91-0.93), while positive predictive values (PPV) were moderate (0.38-0.52). The K-S statistic indicated strong discrimination (0.46, 0.45, and 0.52 across cohorts). SHAP analysis confirmed APS III (≈0.11), age (≈0.05), and ALP (≈0.03) as the most influential predictors, with CCI (≈0.02) and CK-MB (≈0.01) contributing modest but clinically relevant effects.

CONCLUSION: We established and validated a parsimonious logistic regression model with robust discrimination (AUC up to 0.88) and calibration (K-S > 0.45). The model underscores acute illness severity, aging, and hepatic dysfunction as principal determinants of short-term mortality in SIMD, offering valuable support for early risk stratification in critical care.

PMID:41390809 | DOI:10.1186/s40001-025-03354-0

Cardiovasc Diabetol. 2025 Dec 13. doi: 10.1186/s12933-025-03033-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) are long-chain fatty acids that have shown cardioprotective effects through lipid lowering, anti-inflammatory, and membrane-stabilizing properties. In this study we investigated the molecular mechanism underlying the cardioprotective effects of icosapent ethyl (IPE), an ethyl ester of omega-3 fatty (EPA), focusing on its role on mechano-transduction, a process linking cardiac contractility to intracellular signaling, that becomes dysregulated in hyperglycaemia or disturbed blood flow, both major contributors to cardiovascular diseases.

METHODS: We conducted in vivo meta-analyses to assess the beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiac contractility and inflammation in patients with cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases. We investigated the effects of IPE on mechano-transduction, assessing the activation of the YAP/TAZ signalling pathway, in cardiomyocyte cells AC16 exposed to normal (NG) or high glucose (HG) conditions. We defined the role of IPE against hyperglycaemia-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, metabolism, and apoptosis by evaluating key biomarkers by Western Blot and Real-time PCR. We evaluated IPE’s impact on YAP/TAZ activation and on gene expression and protein levels of primary markers related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolism in a dynamic flow model of AC16 cardiomyocytes, to mimic in vivo shear stress.

RESULTS: In vivo meta-analyses showed a significant increase of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF%) (mean: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.1-0.9) and a significant reduction of inflammatory markers (mean: – 1.24, 95% CI: 2.05-0.44) in patients treated with omega-3. IPE treatment reduced the activation of YAP/TAZ pathway induced by HG exposure in AC16 cells. IPE partially reversed HG-induced changes in markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, metabolism and apoptosis (p < 0.05). Similarly, in a dynamic model of shear stress, IPE treatment mitigated the turbulent flow-mediated changes in YAP/TAZ pathway, inflammation, oxidative stress and metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate a cardioprotective role of IPE through modulation of hyperglycaemia-induced mechano-transduction dysregulation, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Additionally, our results on a shear stress model showing that IPE restores upstream regulators of YAP/TAZ and reduces disturbed flow-induced activation of pro-inflammatory pathways, suggest that IPE may exert a therapeutic effect on cardiovascular disorders associated with disturbed blood flow and hemodynamic stress.

PMID:41390804 | DOI:10.1186/s12933-025-03033-8

BMC Pediatr. 2025 Dec 13. doi: 10.1186/s12887-025-06403-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Congenital anomalies, encompassing structural or functional defects present at birth, pose a significant global health challenge. Addressing congenital anomalies can contribute significantly to further reducing neonatal mortality and advancing overall child health in Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the magnitude, pattern, birth outcome, and determinants of congenital anomalies among newborns in Ethiopia.

METHODS: Employing a facility-based cross-sectional design over one month, the study enrolled 813 deliveries attending two public and private maternal and child health centers. We used consecutive sampling of all eligible deliveries who fulfils the inclusion criteria during the study period and meticulously screened for congenital anomalies using a well-designed pictorialized data collection tool by training pediatricians and midwives. To determine the strength of the association and identify independent predictors of birth defects, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval were computed using binary logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS: Forty-six neonates (5.66%, 95% CI: 4.17%-7.47%) had one or more congenital anomalies detected on physical examination. Of these, 36 had a single anomaly, while 10 had multiple malformations. There were a combined 60 anomalies among the 46 newborn babies. The majority of the patients had central nervous system anomalies (31.7%), followed by genitourinary system (25.4%) and musculoskeletal system (22.2%) anomalies. The odds of birth defects increased by 3.73 for women attending a private hospital compared to those attending a public hospital (AOR 3.73, 95% CI 1.67, 8.32). The odds of birth defects were 1.97 times greater for males than for females (AOR 1.97, 95% CI 0.99, 3.91; p = 0.051), which is clinically or practically significant even if the p value is slightly above the cutoff point, 0.05. The odds of birth defects were found to be 9.3 times greater among neonates with very low birth weight and low birth weight than among neonates with appropriate birth weight (AOR 9.29, 95% CI 3.41, 25.31). Primipara women had 3.64 times greater odds of delivering babies with birth defects than did multipara women (AOR 3.64, 95% CI 1.45, 9.13). In this study, perinatal mortality was markedly higher among newborns with congenital anomalies (37%) compared to those without anomalies (1%), and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study provides important insights into the prevalence, patterns, birth outcomes, and predictors of congenital anomalies. The high anomaly rates highlight the need for comprehensive prenatal care, including early diagnosis, risk factor monitoring, and targeted interventions for private MCH clinics, male neonates, low birth weight infants, and primipara women. Further longitudinal research and collaboration with the Ministry of Health to establish a congenital anomaly surveillance system can improve the understanding and management of these conditions.

PMID:41390802 | DOI:10.1186/s12887-025-06403-z