Nevin Manimala

BMC Prim Care. 2025 May 1;26(1):139. doi: 10.1186/s12875-025-02831-z.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cancer is increasing worldwide. Palliative care can help reduce the suffering of patients with cancer. Providing palliative care with a primary health care (PHC) approach can lead to greater patient access to palliative services. Given the lack of studies in this area, the present study aimed to determine the impact of community-based palliative care integrated with PHC on outcomes of terminally ill cancer patients.

METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial. Research population included 120 cancer patients in Khorramabad in 2023. A convenience sampling method was conducted, and then subjects were allocated to the intervention and control groups through randomization blocks with size of four. Subjects in the intervention group received PHC-integrated community-based palliative support for two months, while their control peers received their routine health care programs during the same period. The data were gathered using the Palliative Care Outcome Scale before and two months after the intervention and then were analyzed using SPSS 22 software and descriptive and inferential statistics.

RESULTS: The mean scores of all dimensions of palliative outcomes, including physical, psychological, emotional, and social, as well as the overall palliative care outcome, improved after the intervention in the experimental group, and these changes were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Before the intervention, the mean score of overall palliative care outcome was 22.21 ± 2.89 in the intervention group and 21.88 ± 2.55 in the control group (P = 0.51), While after the intervention, the mean scores in the experimental and control groups changed to 17.98 ± 2.88 and 21.83 ± 2.69, respectively, and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The mean changes in the overall palliative outcome score before and after the intervention in the experimental and control groups were 4.23 ± 2.83 and 0.5 ± 0.72, respectively, and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: The community-based palliative care integrated into the PHC structure could positively affect all aspects of palliative care. It is recommended that policymakers create conditions where cancer patients can receive care through the PHC structure. More studies are required to designate the strengths and weaknesses of this care approach.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT20180721040540N5, 2023-06-07, Registered on June 7,2023. https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/user/trial/68288/view .

PMID:40312691 | DOI:10.1186/s12875-025-02831-z

BMC Public Health. 2025 May 1;25(1):1601. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-22829-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Extensive research has demonstrated the effectiveness of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in children and adults; however, evidence specific to university students remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of HIIT on promoting physical health in university students and to identify potential factors influencing intervention outcomes.

METHOD: A systematic search was conducted across five electronic databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, SportDiscus, and MEDLINE) up to December 2024 using Boolean operators and keywords related to HIIT and university students.

INCLUSION CRITERIA: (1) Experimental studies; (2) Physical-related outcomes; (3) Intervention duration of at least 3 weeks; (4) Meets the definition of high-intensity activity; (5) Participants are general university students. A meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4 software, comparing intervention and control groups. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen’s d, and heterogeneity was assessed with the I² statistic. Subgroup analyses were performed based on intervention duration and rest interval duration.

RESULTS: Results showed that HIIT significantly reduced BMI, body fat percentage, waist-to-hip ratio, and heart rate, while significantly improving VO₂max and muscle strength in university students. Interventions lasting longer than eight weeks demonstrated greater improvements in muscle strength compared to those lasting eight weeks or less. However, there are no significant differences in rest interval across any of the groups. Notably, HIIT also has positive effects on agility and speed with varying effect sizes.

CONCLUSION: The unique characteristics of university students make HIIT a time-efficient and effective intervention strategy for this population. Future studies should consider the specific needs of the university environment, incorporating the latest technological advancements and developing tailored intervention strategies that align with students’ preferences.

PMID:40312686 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-22829-7

BMC Public Health. 2025 May 1;25(1):1621. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-22870-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity and exercise patterns among gym-goers in Italy and their health-related behaviours at the gym after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in Italy. In addition to that, their perception of the hygiene standards and safety of gyms, according to several individual variables, was evaluated.

METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data of individuals who were recruited from gyms between May and June 2023. Descriptive statistics were carried out to describe the sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics of the sample and the perceived quality of the gyms. Each association between variables was assessed by using bivariate analysis, and after verifying its statistical significance, two logistic regression models were performed using the perceived quality of the gym and the likelihood of adoption of health-preventive measures as dependent variables.

RESULTS: The study involved 1321 participants, with a nearly equal gender distribution. Most of the sample was aged between 18 and 25, unmarried, and approximately 45% were students. Most engaged in moderate physical activity, mainly free-weight lifting and machine exercises, 3-5 times a week for 1-2 h in the evening. Participants generally rated the gym positively, with 34.49% considering it “Good” and 39.23% rating it “Very good.” Ratings from females were slightly lower compared to those from males. The age group 18-25 rated the gym higher, while higher education levels were associated with slightly lower ratings. The analysis of health-preventive behaviours, including practices such as using personal towels, sanitising equipment, respecting safety distances, revealed that approximately 41.3% of the participants were likely to adopt those measures, with an additional 23.3% categorised as “very likely.” Males showed a greater inclination towards these behaviours compared to females. In particular, the perceived quality of the gym influenced individuals’ likelihood of adopting health-preventive measures. This indicates that factors such as hygiene, adequacy, and safety of the environment can influence individuals’ motivation to engage in health-preventive behaviours.

CONCLUSIONS: Italian gym-goers generally perceived the quality of the gyms positively, with safety and cleanliness impacting their satisfaction and the adoption of health-preventive behaviours. Sociodemographic factors significantly influence these perceptions and behaviours, highlighting the need for safer, health-focused fitness facilities to promote physical activity, public health, and sustainable fitness habits and emphasising the need to understand user preferences for enhanced customer satisfaction, loyalty, and well-being through tailored management strategies and preventive measures.

PMID:40312661 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-22870-6

Int J Clin Oncol. 2025 May 1. doi: 10.1007/s10147-025-02766-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Predicting individual prognosis is required for patients with colorectal cancer in the era of precision medicine. However, this may be challenging for the conventional survival analysis such as the Cox proportional hazards model. This study aims to develop a personalized prognostic prediction that incorporates longitudinal data to improve predictions for colorectal cancer patients.

METHODS: Patients with advanced or recurrent colorectal cancer, who received treatment at Kyoto University Hospital between April 2015 and December 2021, were retrospectively analyzed. The Joint model is one of the dynamic prediction models. Using longitudinal clinical data, a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) prediction equation was developed for each patient. Additionally, a personalized prognostic prediction model was created using the Joint model. The prediction accuracy of the Joint model was compared with one of the Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS: Among the 1010 patients, 614 patients were enrolled. The median frequency of tumor marker measurement (per patient) was 20 times (range: 3-117 times). CEA values could be predicted accurately and the Pearson’s correlation coefficient between measured CEA and predicted CEA was 0.931. In the Joint model, the significant prognostic factors were baseline age (HR, 1.039; 95% CI, 1.025-1.054), poor-differentiated tumor (HR, 2.600; 95% CI 1.446-4.675) and log₂ (predicted CEA) (HR, 1.551; 95% CI 1.488-1.617). The areas under the curve at 2, 3, 4, and 5 were significantly higher for the Joint model than for the Cox proportional hazards model, respectively.

CONCLUSION: The Joint model may accurately predict personalized prognosis that reflects changes in longitudinal tumor marker values.

PMID:40312604 | DOI:10.1007/s10147-025-02766-6

Sci Rep. 2025 May 2;15(1):15322. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-99390-1.

ABSTRACT

Cement has a substantial environmental impact, particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, which occur mostly during the production stage, as it is anticipated that nearly 4-5% of the world’s total CO₂ emissions result from cement production. To address these environmental concerns, future scenarios will require alternative raw materials for clinker production and the usage of supplemental cementitious materials (SCMs). Hence, the current study correspondingly sought to assess the applicability of Laterite soil powder (LSP) for manufacturing High performance Mortar (HPM) and its influence on fresh, hard, and microstructure qualities with varied replacement levels. A series of experiments-including slump flow, compressive strength, chemical resistance, water absorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential thermal analysis (DTA) were conducted. The results indicate that while a superplasticizer maintained adequate flow, the addition of LSP reduced mortar flowability; for example, a 20% replacement resulted in a 23% decrease in flowability. In contrast, a 10% replacement level did not significantly affect the mechanical or durability properties over all curing periods. A one-way ANOVA (p = 0.62) confirmed that there was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in compressive strength between the control mix LSP-0 and the LSP-10 mix. Furthermore, FTIR analysis indicated that a 10% LSP content exerted only a modest influence on the hydration products, as the wavenumbers, curves, peaks, and valleys observed in the spectra of the LSP-0 and LSP-10 mortar samples were nearly identical. In general, analysis of various properties indicates that a 10% LSP replacement is optimal, as it maintains performance without significant adverse effects.

PMID:40312571 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-99390-1

Skeletal Radiol. 2025 May 1. doi: 10.1007/s00256-025-04939-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the correlation of pre-operative symptoms, pre-operative diagnostic imaging for cartilage loss, and intra-operative cartilage findings in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three radiologists performed retrospective independent reviews of pre-operative MRIs in 96 hips for acetabular/femoral cartilage loss utilizing a simplified “high-low” classification and the International Cartilage Repair Society grading system. Severity of supra-foveal central femoral head cartilage loss was separately noted. Pre-operative radiographs were graded using the Tonnis and Kellgren-Lawrence systems and for central joint space narrowing. Pre-operative patient symptoms were prospectively gathered utilizing the Nonarthritic Hip Score and the modified Harris Hip Score. Intra-operatively, cartilage loss was recorded using the Outerbridge system.

RESULTS: A moderate-to-strong positive correlation between pre-operative radiographic and MR cartilage loss was observed (0.21 $\le$ Τ $\le$ 0.53, T = Kendall’s tau) for all readers/scales. Weak-to-moderate positive correlation was found between intra-operative cartilage grading and radiographic grading (0.10 $\le$ Τ $\le$ 0.30). Weak-to-moderate positive correlation between MRI and intra-operative cartilage grading was found for all readers/grading systems (0.17 $\le$ Τ $\le$ 0.43). Cartilage defects were slightly under-reported on MRI, reaching statistical significance at the femoral head. There was moderate-to-strong positive correlation between radiographic central joint narrowing and MRI central femoral head cartilage loss (0.35 $\le$ Τ $\le$ 0.55) for all readers. Inter-reader reliability was fair-to-moderate for radiographs, but poor for MRI. Clinical scores demonstrated very weak negative to no correlation with radiographic/MR cartilage findings and weak positive correlation with intra-operative cartilage findings.

CONCLUSION: Despite MRI underestimation of cartilage loss, the very weak-to-weak correlation of clinical symptoms with pre-operative imaging and intra-operative findings emphasizes the importance of MRI in pre-operative evaluation.

PMID:40312549 | DOI:10.1007/s00256-025-04939-w

Sci Rep. 2025 May 1;15(1):15277. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-99891-z.

ABSTRACT

According to the WHO and domestic statistics, chronic diseases are one of the most common causes of disability in the Polish society, as well as in the world. The presence of the disease significantly reduces the quality of life (QoL), and gender is a factor determining the level of perceived health-related quality of life (HR-QoL), but there are no cross-sectional studies considering several disease entities. Ranking of diseases determining HR-QoL of patients in 13 different groups of disease entities by gender, assessed using the standardized tool for assessing the quality of life SF-36. A cross-sectional study was carried out in a group of 7620 patients. The criterion for inclusion in the study was a chronic disease and the lack of other comorbidities. 13 groups of disease entities were included in the study. The SF-36 questionnaire was used to assess HR-QoL. The analysis used hierarchical cluster analysis to identify disease groups that similarly impact HR-QoL levels. Logistic regression was used to assess the odds of experiencing better quality of life (OR) in the SF-36 dimensions, taking into account gender and Cohen’s d was used as a measure of effect size. In the group of people burdened with chronic diseases, a better average quality of life is more often recorded in the group of men. The most significant differences in QoL are noted in thyroid (TD), renal and urinary (UD), gastrointestinal (DS) diseases. More often, the poorer quality of life of women is recorded in TD and DS (p < 0.05), in UD, the poorer quality of life is declared by men (p < 0.05). Gender significantly determines the level of perceived HR-QoL. Planning of the treatment and convalescence process in patients should consider gender differences and factors affecting HR-QoL. The ranking of diseases that most strongly reduce HR-QoL in Index Life Quality indicated that among women, diseases in the following order reduce HR-QoL most strongly: diseases of the nervous system (NS), cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancers (CD). In the men’s group, the order was as follows: the most HR-QoL-lowering diseases were CD, NS and CVD.

PMID:40312518 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-99891-z

Sci Rep. 2025 May 1;15(1):15265. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-00415-6.

ABSTRACT

Fear of disease progression (FoP) is a multidimensional concept that refers to the fear or worry about disease progress. Little is known about the distinct FoP profiles and their determinants in culturally specific contexts, especially among hematologic malignancies (HM) patients in China. This study aimed to identify heterogeneous profiles of FoP and their associated predictors among Chinese patients with HM. A convenience sample of patients suffering from HM were enrolled from March 2023 to February 2024. To gather multidimensional data from the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF), the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Family Hardiness Index (FHI), and the EuroQol-Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS), we performed a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study on 455 survivors with HM. The statistical method included latent profile analysis (LPA) and multivariate logistic regression. Three latent profiles of FoP were found: the low-risk fear group (20.88%), the moderate-risk fear group (54.73%), and the high-risk fear group (24.49%). Patients with higher levels of illness perception, anxiety, and depression were more likely to report higher levels of FoP. The study revealed that female gender (OR 2.295-2.577), age > 65 years (OR 4.140-9.363), lower education (OR 0.270-0.365), and lymphoma diagnosis (OR 2.95) significantly predicted higher FoP risk (all P < 0.05), while higher income (OR 0.390-0.477, P < 0.05) and greater family resilience showed protective effects. The findings underscore the need for risk-stratified interventions targeting psychosocial vulnerabilities, particularly in elderly and female adults with HM. This study provides empirical evidence supporting the application of precision psycho-oncology approaches in HM survivorship management. It also contributes to the broader comprehension of FoP and highlights the importance of family-centered interventions .

PMID:40312507 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-00415-6

Sci Rep. 2025 May 1;15(1):15311. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-00218-9.

ABSTRACT

Previous studies have identified various factors affecting dengue fever, but most focus on correlations within specific regions, not establishing causality. This study uses Convergent Cross Mapping (CCM) to explore the causal relationships between nine meteorological factors and reported dengue fever cases in 14 Chinese provinces with the highest incidence. Results show that temperature and pressure have causal links with case numbers in more provinces. In Guangdong, which has the most reported cases, Partial Cross Mapping (PCM) reveals a direct causal relationship only between GDP and reported dengue fever cases, while meteorological factors influence dengue fever via their impact on mosquito populations. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) from 30 provinces further confirms the importance of temperature and pressure. Given the significant negative correlation between temperature and pressure, separate models were developed for each province using the Distributed Lag Nonlinear Model (DLNM) combined with the Generalized Additive Model (GAM), with GDP as a covariate. The results indicate that the Relative Risk (RR) increases significantly under high temperatures and low pressure within a shorter lag period. GDP significantly promotes case numbers in all provinces.

PMID:40312495 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-00218-9

Sci Rep. 2025 May 1;15(1):15296. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-99603-7.

ABSTRACT

Cultivated meat may be an ethical, environmentally friendly, antibiotic-free meat alternative of the future. As of now, one of the main limiting factors for bringing cultivated meat to the market is the high cost of the cell culture media and their great dependency on serum albumins, production of which is predicted to become a major bottleneck of this industry. Here, using bovine muscle stem cells, we optimized serum free B8/B9 medium. We identified several food grade, low-price medium stabilizers, exhibiting comparable or even superior stabilization of the B8 medium in short- and long-term cultivations, as compared to recombinant human serum albumin. We show transferability of our approach to other satellite cells (porcine, chicken) and CHO cells, though significant cell-line specific differences in response to stabilizers were observed. Thus, we provide an alternative to serum albumin, enabling up to an overall 73% reduction of medium price for certain cell lines.

PMID:40312489 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-99603-7