Nevin Manimala

Eur J Med Res. 2025 Jul 3;30(1):566. doi: 10.1186/s40001-025-02835-6.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to characterize the plasma lipidomic profile of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), identify lipid species with potential diagnostic utility, and explore their associations with clinical parameters to inform future biomarker development and mechanistic understanding.

METHODS: In a case-control study, 50 newly diagnosed PTB patients and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC) were enrolled between April and June 2021. Plasma samples were analyzed using LC-MS/MS-based lipidomics. Multivariate modeling and univariate statistical analyses were performed to identify differential lipid species. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves evaluated diagnostic performance, and correlation analyses assessed associations with clinical indicators.

RESULTS: A total of 633 lipid species were profiled, with 61 showing significant differential expression between PTB and HC groups. When compared with controls, PTB patients exhibited significantly lower plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL (all P < 0.05), as well as reduced triacylglycerol (TAG), ceramide (CER), and hexosylceramide (HCER). In contrast, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) levels were elevated in PTB. ROC analysis identified several lipid species-particularly CER(24:0) H, HCER(d18:0/22:0) H, and PE(18:1/18:1)-with strong discriminative power (AUC > 0.75). Correlation analysis revealed weak-to-moderate associations of select lipids with age and glucose, but minimal or no correlation with BMI, sex, or smoking, indicating that lipidomic alterations are primarily disease-driven.

CONCLUSION: PTB patients display a distinct plasma lipidomic signature, marked by disrupted glycerolipid and sphingolipid metabolism. These findings support the diagnostic value of lipidomic profiling and provide insights into PTB-associated metabolic disturbances, laying a foundation for future biomarker validation and therapeutic exploration.

PMID:40611333 | DOI:10.1186/s40001-025-02835-6

Infect Dis Poverty. 2025 Jul 3;14(1):59. doi: 10.1186/s40249-025-01319-3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Seasonal patterns of mycobacterial infections affecting humans and animals remain a complex and understudied aspect of infectious disease dynamics. These intra-annual patterns are increasingly relevant in the context of global climate change, which may influence the timing and geographic spread of these diseases. A better understanding of such patterns could improve surveillance, prevention, and control strategies.

METHODS: We conducted a mixed-methods bibliometric review combining bibliographic searches and scoping analysis to synthesize decades of research on the seasonality of mycobacterial infections in humans and animals. We systematically searched three major scientific databases-Scopus, PubMed-MEDLINE, and Web of Science-for articles published between 1971 and April 2023. From an initial dataset of 1830 unique articles, we identified and analysed 122 studies that met predefined inclusion criteria. We extracted information on pathogen type, statistical methods, geographic location, and host species. In addition, we conducted a co-citation network analysis to identify key methodological influences and research clusters.

RESULTS: The retained studies encompassed tuberculosis, Buruli ulcer, bovine tuberculosis, and other mycobacterial diseases such as leprosy and Johne’s disease. Most articles focused on tuberculosis in humans, followed by Buruli ulcer caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. There was a marked increase in studies on seasonal trends in tuberculosis and Buruli ulcer over time, with notable variation in geographic and methodological coverage. Research was heavily concentrated in the northern hemisphere, especially in China, while southern regions remained underrepresented. Advanced statistical tools, including generalized linear models and time-series analyses, were instrumental in detecting seasonality, particularly for tuberculosis and Buruli ulcer.

CONCLUSION: Seasonality appears to be a common yet understudied feature of many mycobacterial infections. Greater interdisciplinary collaboration and the use of appropriate analytical tools are essential to better understand these patterns, especially in underrepresented regions. Addressing methodological and geographic gaps will be crucial to improve responses to these diseases in a changing global environment.

PMID:40611319 | DOI:10.1186/s40249-025-01319-3

Lipids Health Dis. 2025 Jul 3;24(1):229. doi: 10.1186/s12944-025-02647-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia has been extensively documented as a key driver of cardiovascular pathology. Regulating lipid homeostasis holds promise for treating atherosclerosis (AS). Although the protein phosphatase 2 catalytic subunit beta (PPP2CB) is involved in post-transcriptional gene regulation, its role in AS-associated dyslipidemia is not well understood.

METHODS: The study included both human participants and animal models. The following techniques were employed: cell culture, extraction of exosomes, preparation of pooled hyperlipidemic serum (HS), transfection, western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), co-immunoprecipitation, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) uptake assay, biochemical assays, assessment of aortic atherosclerotic lesions, as well as statistical analysis.

RESULTS: This study identified a marked upregulation of PPP2CB expression in peripheral blood leukocytes of AS patients, artery plaque of ApoE^-/- mice given a high-fat diet, and hepatic cells exposed to hyperlipidemic stimuli. Overexpression of PPP2CB in hepatic cells exacerbated lipid accumulation and low-density lipoprotein uptake, whereas silencing PPP2CB mitigated this effect. Immunofluorescence co-localization and co-immunoprecipitation analysis confirmed a direct interaction between PPP2CB and lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1). Notably, PPP2CB manipulation disrupted hyperlipidemia-induced LOX-1 expression. Additionally, PPP2CB-mediated lipid dysregulation was linked to the activation of the LOX-1/ mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling cascade.

CONCLUSIONS: These results unveil PPP2CB as a novel lipid regulator in the progression of pathological AS and highlight its involvement in signaling regulation during abnormal lipid metabolism. PPP2CB could be considered a promising candidate for biomarker development and therapeutic intervention in AS.

PMID:40611318 | DOI:10.1186/s12944-025-02647-x

BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2025 Jul 3;17(1):177. doi: 10.1186/s13102-025-01208-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study investigated how prolonged high-intensity physical training influences bite force and masseter muscle thickness, which are key indicators of adaptation in the masticatory system. Understanding the relationship between these variables may provide insights into occlusal function and performance optimization in professional athletes.

METHODS: Thirty-four male wrestlers (Pro: 13; Npro: 21; age: 26.7 ± 9.3 years) participated in this comparative cross-sectional study. Bite force was assessed using pressure-sensitive films, and masseter muscle thickness was measured via ultrasonography. Group comparisons and asymmetry analyses were conducted using appropriate statistical methods.

RESULTS: Professional athletes exhibited significantly greater bite force (1071.7 ± 380.2 N) than non-professionals (856.9 ± 363.1 N, p = 0.032). Masseter muscle thickness was also higher in professionals (15.6 ± 1.5 mm right, 15.9 ± 1.4 mm left) than in non-professionals (13.6 ± 1.3 mm right, 13.8 ± 1.2 mm left, p < 0.01). Bite force asymmetry was more pronounced in professionals (70.1 ± 29.3 N vs. 43.1 ± 21.8 N, p = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that high-intensity training is associated with distinct neuromuscular adaptations in the masticatory system. Such adaptations may affect oral stability, occlusal performance, and temporomandibular joint health. The results underscore the need for individualized strategies to optimize performance and prevent occlusal imbalances in athletes engaged in intense training.

PMID:40611313 | DOI:10.1186/s13102-025-01208-0

Arch Public Health. 2025 Jul 3;83(1):176. doi: 10.1186/s13690-025-01623-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Globally, health insurance is viewed as a viable health financing option for improving access to healthcare. In Tanzania, as in other countries, it is actively promoted to enhance service accessibility. However, there are limited empirical studies on the association between having health insurance and women visiting health facilities. The available studies covered small areas and used small sample size. This study aimed to determine the relationship between health insurance status and utilisation of healthcare among women aged 15-49 using Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS).

METHODOLOGY: This study analysed secondary data of 15,254 women drawn from the 2022 (TDHS). The survey is conducted after every five years by the National Bureau of Statistics. The dependent variable was healthcare utilisation status and the key independent variable was health insurance status of a woman. The analysis took into account for complex sampling design. The analysis involved descriptive analysis to get frequency and percentage distribution of respondents. Bivariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression were conducted to assess the magnitude of association between dependent and independent variables. A cut-off point of p-value < 0.05 was used to determine the significant level of statistical significance.

RESULTS: The prevalence of healthcare utilisation among Tanzanian women was 53%. After controlling for other covariates, women who were covered by health insurance had 1.37 times higher odds of healthcare utilisation compared to those who were not covered by health insurance (AoR:1.37, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.65), women aged 25-34 years had 1.38 times higher odds of healthcare utilisation compared to those who were aged 15-24 years (AoR:1.38, 95% CI: 1.24, 1.54). Women who were in union had 2 times higher odds of healthcare utilisation compared to those who were not in union (AoR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.88, 2.35). Women who were working had 1.71 times higher odds of utilising healthcare services compared to those who were not working (AoR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.56, 1.88). Women who watched or listened to mass media at least once a week had 1.37 times higher the odds of healthcare utilisation compared to those who did not watch or listen to mass media at all (AoR:1.37, 95% CI: 1.2, 1.56). However, place of residence was not a significant factor.

CONCLUSION: The present study shows a statistically significant association between being insured and the utilisation of healthcare services among women aged 15-49 years. This indicates that insurance status helps women utilise healthcare services in Tanzania. The findings from this study also highlighted demographic factors including age, marital union, working, and use of mass media as important factors influencing utilisation of healthcare among women. It is imperative to educate the community on the importance of health insurance so that more women can enroll in health insurance schemes, including the improved Community Health Fund (iCHF), the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), and private health insurance schemes, thereby breaking financial barriers to healthcare utilisation.

PMID:40611298 | DOI:10.1186/s13690-025-01623-2

J Transl Med. 2025 Jul 3;23(1):738. doi: 10.1186/s12967-025-06531-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves complex molecular mechanisms, and achieving clinical remission remains challenging. This study aims to identify IBD-potential biomarkers, analyze their correlation with immune cell infiltration, and identify genes that have a causal relationship with IBD.

METHODS: RNA-seq datasets for IBD were retrieved from GEO, stratified into discovery (GSE75214), validation (GSE36807), and independent testing cohorts (GSE179285, GSE47908). Through comparative expression profiling of the discovery cohort, IBD-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected. Core candidate genes were subsequently prioritized using protein-protein interaction network analysis, further refined through machine learning approaches (Random Forest/Support Vector Machines). Immune cell abundance quantification and statistical correlation analyses with IBD-associated transcripts were conducted via the CIBERSORTx deconvolution algorithm. To complement these findings, blood expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data from GTExv8.ALL.Whole_Blood were integrated with IBD genome-wide association statistics from the FinnGen consortium. This multi-omics integration framework employed: (1) Bayesian colocalization to assess shared causal variants, (2) HEIDI heterogeneity testing, and (3) summary Mendelian randomization (SMR) for causal inference validation.

RESULTS: Three genes, IRF1, GBP5, and PARP9, demonstrated significant IBD-promoting effects. The characteristic biomarkers of IBD were associated with immune cell infiltration. SMR analysis based on eQTL data showed that IRF1 was significantly associated with the risk of IBD. Moreover, IRF1 passed the HEIDI test of > 0.05 on gene expression, and IRF1 demonstrated the ability to promote the development of IBD.

CONCLUSIONS: This integrative analysis identifies IRF1, GBP5, and PARP9 as potential genes associated with IBD pathogenesis. SMR analysis based on eQTL data revealed that IRF1 was significantly associated with the risk of IBD. The relationship between IRF1 and IBD risk highlights its potential as both a therapeutic target and diagnostic biomarker.

PMID:40611294 | DOI:10.1186/s12967-025-06531-1

J Orthop Surg Res. 2025 Jul 3;20(1):617. doi: 10.1186/s13018-025-06050-1.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Effects of first-stage Halo-pelvic traction (HPT) combined with second-stage surgery in patients with severe scoliosis and pulmonary insufficiency.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 100 patients with scoliosis and pulmonary insufficiency admitted to the Beijing Da Wang Road Emergency Rescue Hospital from January 2021 to October 2024. All patients underwent primary HPT traction treatment and secondary scoliosis correction surgery. Changes in imaging and lung function indicators of patients before traction, after the last traction follow-up, and after internal fixation surgery. Pearson’s statistical correlation analysis was used to investigate the effect of the Cobb angle of the principal curvature on lung function indicators.

RESULTS: The lung function results of the included patients showed that restrictive ventilation function parameters increased to varying degrees (P < 0.05) before traction, during the last traction follow-up, and after the internal fixation surgery. Correlation analysis showed that as the Cobb angle of the main bend decreased, there was a significant negative correlation between lung restrictive ventilation function parameters (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: HPT traction can effectively correct severe scoliosis and improve respiratory function, making it a safe and effective adjunctive treatment.

PMID:40611293 | DOI:10.1186/s13018-025-06050-1

J Transl Med. 2025 Jul 3;23(1):739. doi: 10.1186/s12967-025-06679-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroids are widely used in obstetric clinical practice for cases with signs of preterm labor to promote fetal lung maturity and reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality. Although short-term use is considered safe, there is ongoing debate regarding the dosage, therapeutic window, neonatal benefits, and maternal-fetal side effects, especially in high-risk pregnancies such as twins, where the impact remains unclear.

METHODS: This retrospective study included 1,997 twin pregnancies, divided into two groups: those who received antenatal corticosteroid therapy (ACS) and those who did not. To correct for baseline imbalances, the optimal overlap weighting scheme was selected by calculating the Absolute Standardized Mean Difference (ASMD) to minimize intergroup differences. The primary outcome, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS), and other adverse outcomes in twin neonates were analyzed for the effect of ACS using logistic regression, with subgroup and interaction analyses based on key maternal pregnancy characteristics. Lastly, the Restricted cubic spline (RCS) method was used to examine the effect of ACS on neonatal respiratory disease incidence across different gestational ages at delivery.

RESULTS: After propensity score overlap weighting, results showed that although ACS treatment did not significantly improve the respiratory composite outcome in the overall preterm group, it effectively reduced the incidence of NRDS and pneumonia, while also decreasing the risk of low birth weight, small for gestational age (SGA), neonatal purpura, and neonatal hypoproteinemia. Notably, the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia and hyperbilirubinemia was significantly increased in the ACS treatment group. In both early and late preterm groups, there was no significant difference in the impact of ACS on NRDS and respiratory composite outcomes, but it remained effective in reducing the risks of neonatal pneumonia, low birth weight, and hypoproteinemia. In late preterm pregnancies, ACS significantly reduced the incidence of neonatal enteritis, lower gastrointestinal bleeding and neonatal infections, while in early preterm pregnancies, it significantly lowered the risk of neonatal hyperlacticemia. Subgroup analysis showed that for early preterm twin pregnancies with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), ACS treatment increased the incidence of NRDS and the neonatal respiratory composite outcome. Similarly, for twin pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia (PE), ACS treatment raised NRDS incidence in both overall and early preterm subgroups. Finally, RCS analysis indicated that ACS treatment may help reduce the risk of NRDS and other respiratory outcomes across different gestational ages at delivery, although this trend did not reach statistical significance. Sensitivity analysis showed similar results.

CONCLUSION: Antenatal corticosteroids, whether in early or late preterm births, may not prevent NRDS and respiratory composite outcomes in twin neonates, but they are effective in reducing adverse neonatal outcomes such as pneumonia, low birth weight, and hypoproteinemia. However, the occurrence of neonatal hypoglycemia and hyperbilirubinemia should be noted.

PMID:40611291 | DOI:10.1186/s12967-025-06679-w

BMC Nurs. 2025 Jul 3;24(1):835. doi: 10.1186/s12912-025-03510-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have primarily examined overall resilience about coping strategies and demographics, overlooking individual heterogeneity. This study identifies distinct resilience profiles among nursing students, examines their associations with spiritual coping strategies, and determines demographic factors associated with these profiles.

METHOD: A cross-sectional study of 1,223 nursing students was conducted using convenience sampling from May 13 to 24, 2024. Latent profile analysis identified resilience subgroups, while the Bolck-Croon-Hagenaars approach assessed how spiritual coping strategies varied across profiles. The Three-Step Approach for Auxiliary Variables evaluated demographic predictors.

RESULT: Four resilience profiles emerged: low resilience-low strength (Profile 1), low resilience-balanced development (Profile 2), high resilience-balanced development (Profile 3), and high resilience-high tenacity (Profile 4). Positive spiritual coping strategies demonstrated progressively increasing mean scores, which were statistically significant from Profile 1 to 4. In negative spiritual coping strategies, the mean scores decreased progressively from Profile 1 to 3, with each decrease being statistically significant. Female students were likelier in Profiles 1 (β = -1.01, p < 0.05), 2 (β = -1.02, p < 0.001), and 3 (β = -0.73, p < 0.01) compared to Profile 4; Students with leadership experience were more often found in Profiles 3 (β = 0.66, p < 0.001) and 4 (β = 0.74, p < 0.01) compared to Profile 2, and students who live in urban areas were more likely to belong to Profile 4 than Profile 1 (β = 0.77, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: There was notable individual heterogeneity in resilience among students, with distinct differences in the use of spiritual coping strategies across these profiles. Future educational interventions promoting positive spiritual coping strategies could consider resilience as a core element. The primary focus of future resilience research and education should be on female students living in rural areas and students without leadership experience during college.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

PMID:40611276 | DOI:10.1186/s12912-025-03510-1

BMC Health Serv Res. 2025 Jul 3;25(1):914. doi: 10.1186/s12913-025-13006-y.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40611273 | DOI:10.1186/s12913-025-13006-y