Nevin Manimala

Mol Genet Genomic Med. 2026 Jul;14(7):e70262. doi: 10.1002/mgg3.70262.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Genome-wide association studies continue to recruit larger samples, increase resolution, and improve their statistical foundations. These investigations often remain restricted by design to large, outbred populations. This can exclude genetically distinct populations, to whom the genetic insights gained may not apply, and forgoes the benefits that isolated populations can offer to biomedical research. Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a collection of highly correlated risk factors that predisposes individuals to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. The environmental factors that lead to MetS are well understood, but each person’s response to these influences is modulated by their genetics.

METHODS: In this mini-review, we discuss the features of population isolates for mapping disease genes, briefly consider some of the clinical aspects of MetS, and compare the recent contributions to understanding the genetic causes of MetS by population isolates and by large open-population approaches.

RESULTS: Studies in isolated populations have revealed novel genetic associations, including determining causal variants. Isolated populations have also validated and refined associated loci discovered in large, open populations.

CONCLUSION: Much progress has been made uncovering the genetic basis of MetS and related conditions. However, while the field progresses, the definition of the syndrome remains contested, and a comprehensive understanding of MetS genetics remains elusive.

PMID:42411037 | DOI:10.1002/mgg3.70262

J Phys Chem B. 2026 Jul 6. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.6c02780. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In microphase-forming systems, the loss of long-range order at the order-disorder transition does not necessarily imply the total disappearance of short-range structural organization. Instead, transient clusters locally resembling the ordered mesophase may persist within the isotropic phase. While the existence of such clusters is known, their statistical properties and their relationship to the thermodynamic signatures of the system have not been fully characterized. In this work, we address these questions for a binary mixture with isotropic Stillinger-Weber interactions that stabilizes a hexagonal mesophase by combining molecular dynamics simulations with thermodynamic modeling. A geometry-based algorithm is introduced to identify worm-like aggregates from particle configurations using a temperature-dependent B-B connectivity criterion. The resulting size distributions are monotonically decreasing and broaden markedly on approaching the order-disorder transition from above, showing that the disordered phase is not locally homogeneous but retains a population of finite worm-like fragments with persistent local compositional order. To rationalize these observations, we develop a minimal thermodynamic model based on a Flory-Huggins-type free energy, in which cluster formation is controlled by a single effective interaction parameter. The model reproduces the simulated size distributions over the explored temperature range using a single temperature-independent energetic parameter for a physically meaningful connectivity definition. Using this same parameter, fitted only to the structural distributions, the predicted disordering enthalpy closely matches that obtained directly from the simulations, providing an independent thermodynamic validation. Together, these results identify worm formation as the dominant energetic contribution in the isotropic phase and provide a direct link between microscopic cluster statistics and macroscopic thermodynamic behavior above the order-disorder transition.

PMID:42411003 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jpcb.6c02780

BMC Res Notes. 2026 Jul 6;19(1):277. doi: 10.1186/s13104-026-07937-w.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Metadata standardization in collaborative biomedical research must balance interoperability with domain-specific detail. We describe a parent-template approach in which a baseline schema from the nephrology-focused CRC 1453 NephGen was adapted for the tumor-immunology CRC OncoEscape and the perinatal-immunology CRC Pilot.

RESULTS: The derivation process produced three structurally compatible yet vocabulary-divergent schemas. Pilot required the highest granularity (324 levels), followed by NephGen (287) and OncoEscape (283). Vocabulary reuse from the NephGen baseline was limited: 134 of 283 OncoEscape levels (47%) and 113 of 324 Pilot levels (35%) were retained unchanged. The main adaptations were not only expanded level lists, such as cell lines and mouse lines, but also new CRC-specific query dimensions, including “Oncogenes” in OncoEscape and “Timeline” in Pilot. In the context of AI-assisted extraction, we use the term instruction set to denote a schema that specifies target fields, expected granularity, example values, and validation resources for each metadata dimension, rather than a simple drop-down form or a free-text prompt template.

PMID:42410488 | DOI:10.1186/s13104-026-07937-w

J Intensive Care. 2026 Jul 7. doi: 10.1186/s40560-026-00900-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the removal of cardiac troponin T via continuous venovenous haemofiltration (CVVH), continuous venovenous haemodialysis (CVVHD) and continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) as a function of circulating blood troponin T levels in critically ill patients.

METHODS: This was a single-centre, prospective observational study conducted at Tallaght University Hospital (Dublin, Ireland). Adult patients admitted to ICU and commenced on continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) were included. All patients required a troponin T level > 50 ng/L. All patients were required to have commenced CRRT > 4 h prior to first sample. The aim was to take three serum samples per patient every 24 h, over a total of 72 h, with simultaneous sampling of the waste effluent for troponin T. Our primary outcome measure was estimated troponin T clearance according to CRRT modality.

RESULTS: We found no significant difference in estimated troponin T clearance according to CRRT modality (overall median troponin T clearance of 2.6 ml/kg/h). As a secondary outcome, it was noted that the percentage of troponin T clearance was statistically significantly higher for CVVH compared to CVVHD and CVVHDF (16% vs. 15% vs. 10%, respectively; p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference in estimated troponin T clearance was found according to CRRT modality. Our results show that clearance of troponin T on CRRT is generally small across all modalities and that ongoing treatment with CRRT is unlikely to substantially impact interpretation and tracking of troponin T results in patients with concern for acute coronary syndrome.

PMID:42410486 | DOI:10.1186/s40560-026-00900-8

BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2026 Jul 6. doi: 10.1186/s13102-026-01851-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Professional volleyball demands high-level neuromuscular control, yet frequent physical exhaustion during competition can compromise postural stability. While balance training is often utilized in athletic training programs, its specific efficacy in mitigating fatigue-induced deficits among elite athletes remains under-investigated. The aim of this study was to determine whether 12 weeks of supplementary balance training, integrated into a routine athletic schedule, improves fatigue-induced postural sway in professional female volleyball players.

METHODS: Twenty-three professional female volleyball players from two professional teams participated in this non-randomized, controlled study. One team implemented supplementary balance training in addition to routine practice, whereas the other team continued their standard seasonal program. Eleven players were in the training team, and twelve were in the control team. Postural sway was assessed using the Overall Stability Index (OSI), Anterior-Posterior Stability Index (APSI), and Medial-Lateral Stability Index (MLSI) with the Biodex Balance Systems SD device. Measurements were taken at baseline and multiple time points (0, 10, 20, 30 min) after Bruce protocol, both before and after the 12-week intervention. Data were analyzed using a robust rank-based, non-parametric method and by estimating relative treatment effects (RTEs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS: Post-intervention analysis revealed no significant group-by-time interaction for OSI (p = 0.303), APSI (p = 0.397), or MLSI (p = 0.113). These results indicate that the trajectory of balance loss and recovery following high-intensity exercise was statistically similar for both groups. While a significant main effect of time was observed (p < 0.001), confirming that high-intensity exercise impaired stability, the supplementary balance training did not provide a statistically superior resistance to fatigue compared to routine training alone. Consistent with the non-significant group-by-time interaction tests (p > 0.05 for all stability indices), the 95% CIs of the RTEs overlapped substantially at all post-exercise time points; however, inferential conclusions are based on the interaction test results.

CONCLUSIONS: Supplementary balance training did not provide a statistically significant advantage in mitigating fatigue-induced postural instability compared to routine training in this sample.

PMID:42410480 | DOI:10.1186/s13102-026-01851-1

Reprod Health. 2026 Jul 6. doi: 10.1186/s12978-026-02401-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Menstrual health plays a crucial role in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, there is a gap addressing HRQoL in relation to broader aspects of menstrual health definition. This study aims to analyse the relationship between menstrual health and self-reported health-related quality of life in women and people who menstruate (PWM) ≥ 18 years in five regions of Spain (Andalusia, Basque Country, Canary Islands, Catalonia, and Galicia).

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey-based study with gender perspective was conducted. Thirty-two healthcare centres took part in the study across five regions of Spain between May and September 2023. Participants were women and PWM aged 18 or over with at least one menstruation in the last 6 months. Self-reported sociodemographic, menstrual health and HRQoL variables (using EQ-5D-5 L scale) were collected. Descriptive statistics and linear regression models were performed. EQ-VAS scale was employed to perform sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS: A total of 1,381 women and PWM were included (Mean age = 34.63, SD = 10.06). The mean of EQ-5D-5 L index was 0.88 (SD = 0.13) and EQ-VAS was 73.63 (SD = 22.60). Several menstrual health variables were significantly associated with lower HRQoL. The strongest associations were observed for high frequency of premenstrual symptoms (β= -0.144; 95%CI= -0.139 to -0.090), high impact of premenstrual symptoms (β= -0.071; 95%CI= -0.102 to -0.040), high impact on social participation during menstruation (β= -0.104; 95%CI= -0.128 to -0.080), moderate frequency of menstrual poverty (β= -0.054; 95%CI= -0.078 to -0.029) and menstrual pain intensity (β= -0.047; 95%CI= -0.068 to -0.025).

CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the substantial impact of menstrual health on HRQoL, particularly in some EQ-5D-5 L domains (usual activities, anxiety/depression, and pain/discomfort). From a public health perspective, it is important to recognise menstrual health as a relevant component of overall well-being of women and PWM. Specifically paying greater attention to menstrual health relation to general pain, emotional health and participation in daily activities when designing health promotion and primary healthcare interventions.

PMID:42410478 | DOI:10.1186/s12978-026-02401-1

BMC Nutr. 2026 Jul 6. doi: 10.1186/s40795-026-01421-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a critical period for establishing dietary behaviours that influence immediate health, reproductive outcomes, and long-term risk of non-communicable diseases. Female adolescents are particularly vulnerable to poor nutrition due to increased biological demands and sociocultural constraints. Examining the relationship between nutrition knowledge and behavioural perceptions within a theoretical framework is essential for developing effective interventions.

METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 290 in-school female adolescents aged 13-17 years in public and private secondary schools in Odeda Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria. A pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, nutrition knowledge, and perceived dietary behaviour using the Health Belief Model (HBM) framework. Independent samples t-tests, Pearson’s correlation, chi-squares test, and six parallel linear regression models were fitted one per HBM construct as the dependent variable with nutrition knowledge as the primary predictor and age, school setting, household income, and household size as covariates. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 15.19 ± 1.05 years. Overall nutrition knowledge was moderate, with a mean score of 56.52 ± 13.26. Nutrition knowledge was positively associated with perceived severity, perceived benefits, cues to action, and self-efficacy, and negatively associated with perceived barriers. Nutrition knowledge was not significantly associated with perceived susceptibility. In multivariate analysis, nutrition knowledge remained significantly associated with perceived severity (β = 0.196, η² = 0.041), perceived benefits (β = 0.179, η² = 0.033), perceived barriers (β = -0.344, η² = 0.118), cues to action (β = 0.286, η² = 0.083), and self-efficacy (β = 0.225, η² = 0.052), but not perceived susceptibility (p = 0.124).

CONCLUSIONS: Nutrition knowledge is significantly associated with HBM-based dietary perceptions among in-school female adolescents. Strengthened, theory-driven nutrition education, particularly in public schools, may reinforce favourable dietary cognitions theoretically linked to healthier eating practices.

PMID:42410468 | DOI:10.1186/s40795-026-01421-1

BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2026 Jul 6. doi: 10.1186/s13102-026-01837-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Normobaric hyperoxic recovery has been proposed as a post-exercise strategy to improve subsequent exercise performance, but the overall performance evidence and the consistency of accompanying physiological recovery markers remain unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis primarily evaluated the effect of normobaric hyperoxic recovery on subsequent performance, with selected physiological outcomes interpreted as secondary and exploratory evidence.

METHODS: We systematically reviewed studies examining normobaric hyperoxic recovery after exercise. Performance was prespecified as the primary outcome. Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂), heart rate (HR), and blood lactate (BLa) were treated as secondary outcomes. After full-text verification, 19 reports were retained, yielding 21 study entries for synthesis. Because many studies used crossover, repeated-measures, or within-subject designs and most did not report sufficient paired-variance information, the main quantitative syntheses used arm-level summary statistics and random-effects models with standardized mean differences (Hedges’ g).

RESULTS: The primary performance analysis included 16 study entries and estimated a small-to-moderate effect in favor of normobaric hyperoxic recovery (SMD = 0.42, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.63; I² = 0%). This estimate was not materially altered in leave-one-out, trim-and-fill, fail-safe N, and prespecified structural sensitivity analyses. For secondary outcomes, 10 study entries contributed to the BLa analysis, which showed no clear pooled effect (SMD = 0.14, 95% CI -0.15 to 0.43; I² = 0%). Although funnel-plot asymmetry was detected for BLa, trim-and-fill did not materially alter the pooled estimate. HR results were based on 2 exploratory study entries and showed no clear pooled effect (SMD = 0.29, 95% CI -0.35 to 0.93; I² = 0%). SpO₂-related outcomes were highly heterogeneous (I² = 90.0%), and this inconsistency persisted after sensitivity analyses, supporting narrative rather than pooled inferential interpretation.

CONCLUSIONS: Normobaric hyperoxic recovery was associated with a modest, directionally consistent effect in favor of subsequent performance. In contrast, the secondary physiological outcomes provided limited and inconsistent evidence. No clear pooled effect was observed for blood lactate, heart-rate findings were exploratory, and SpO₂ outcomes were too heterogeneous to support a stable pooled conclusion. Overall, the findings suggest a possible performance benefit of normobaric hyperoxic recovery, while physiological outcomes should be interpreted as descriptive and hypothesis-generating rather than as evidence of a consistent physiological recovery response.

PMID:42410467 | DOI:10.1186/s13102-026-01837-z

Biotechnol Biofuels Bioprod. 2026 Jul 6. doi: 10.1186/s13068-026-02789-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Culture contamination is a critical problem in microalgae cultivation, often leading to the loss of affected batches and significant financial losses. Therefore, repurposing this contaminated biomass as a fuel source is one of the most viable valorisation outlooks, as the presence of contaminants in the energy sector is not as relevant as in cosmetic or food applications. This work evaluated the viability of this approach using a culture of Parachlorella kessleri contaminated with initially unknown micro-organisms. Microscopy analyses identified Tetradesmus sp. and bacilli as contaminants. The biochemical composition of this contaminated sample was compared to regular and nitrogen-starved cultures, showing no statistically significant differences from the regular batch. This resemblance also extended to the biodiesel profile, highlighting the suitability of valorising contaminated microalgae in biofuel applications. However, the evaluation of nanomechanical properties revealed that P. kessleri cells from the contaminated batch had Young’s modulus remarkably higher than values reported in the literature, indicating that the cell disruption step could be more energy intensive. Hence, contaminated biomass remains biochemically suitable for biofuel valorisation, but potentially requires more energy-intensive processing.

PMID:42410466 | DOI:10.1186/s13068-026-02789-9

BMC Psychol. 2026 Jul 7. doi: 10.1186/s40359-026-05078-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cancer caregiving imposes substantial physical, psychological, and social burdens, particularly in resource-limited settings such as Palestine. However, evidence regarding factors associated with caregiver quality of life (QoL) in this context remains limited.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 302 primary caregivers of cancer patients recruited from five major Palestinian hospitals between March and September 2025. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, including the validated Arabic version of the SF-36v2. QoL was assessed across physical and mental domains. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multiple linear regression models were applied to identify independent predictors.

RESULTS: The mean age of caregivers was 36.5 ± 12.3 years, and most were female (67.9%) and married (69.9%). Overall QoL was moderate (mean total score = 56.38 ± 16.00), with lower mental than physical component scores (MCS: 52.53 ± 17.31 vs. PCS: 60.23 ± 17.53). Regression analysis showed that higher education and middle income were independent protective factors for overall, physical, and mental QoL (p < 0.05). In contrast, being a housewife, having a chronic illness, experiencing marital dissolution, and being the patient’s daughter were associated with poorer outcomes. Gender and residency were not independent predictors after adjustment.

CONCLUSION: Caregiver QoL is primarily shaped by socioeconomic position and family role rather than demographic characteristics alone. Targeted psychosocial and financial support strategies are needed to reduce caregiver burden in vulnerable subgroups.

PMID:42410456 | DOI:10.1186/s40359-026-05078-0