Nevin Manimala

Front Immunol. 2025 Feb 26;16:1521299. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1521299. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Autoantibodies against apolipoprotein A-1 (AAA1) are elicited by SARS-CoV-2 infection and predict COVID-19 symptoms persistence at one year in adults, but whether this applies to children is unknown. We studied the association of SARS-CoV-2 exposure with AAA1 prevalence in children and the association of AAA1 seropositivity with symptom persistence.

METHODS: Anti-SARS-CoV-2 and AAA1 serologies were examined in 1031 participants aged 6 months to 17 years old from the prospective SEROCOV-KIDS cohort and recruited between 12.2021 and 02.2022. Four SARS-CoV-2 serology-based groups were defined: “Infected-unvaccinated (I+/V-)”, “Uninfected-vaccinated (I-/V+)”, “Infected-Vaccinated (I+/V+)”, and “Naïve (I-/V-)”. Reported outcomes were collected using online questionnaires. Associations with study endpoints were assessed using logistic regression.

RESULTS: Overall, seropositivity rates for anti-RBD, anti-N, and AAA1 were 71% (736/1031), 55% (568/1031), and 5.8% (60/1031), respectively. AAA1 showed an inverse association with age but not with any other characteristics. The I+/V- group displayed higher median AAA1 levels and seropositivity (7.9%) compared to the other groups (p ≤ 0.011), translating into a 2-fold increased AAA1 seroconversion risk (Odds ratio [OR]: 2.11, [95% Confidence Interval (CI)]: 1.22-3.65; p=0.008), unchanged after adjustment for age and sex. AAA1 seropositivity was independently associated with a 2-fold odds of symptoms persistence at ≥ 4 weeks (p ≤ 0.03) in the entire dataset and infected individuals, but not ≥ 12 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limitations of the study (cross-sectional design, patient-related outcomes using validated questionnaires), the results indicate that SARS-CoV-2 infection could elicit an AAA1 response in children, which could be independently associated with short-time symptoms persistence.

PMID:40079006 | PMC:PMC11897246 | DOI:10.3389/fimmu.2025.1521299

Front Immunol. 2025 Feb 26;16:1526443. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1526443. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of camrelizumab combined with platinum-based chemotherapy (taxanes [T] or fluorouracil agents [F] plus platinum [P] drugs) as the first-line treatment in advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), using immune repertoire sequencing (IRS) to explore treatment response mechanism. In this multi-center, prospective cohort study, 88 patients received camrelizumab plus TP or FP, achieving a 1-year progression-free survival of 56.8% and overall survival of 68.2%. The objective response rate (ORR) was 64.8%, with a disease control rate of 91.1%. While most treatment-related adverse events were mild, 12.5% of patients experienced grade ≥3 toxicities. IRS showed significant differences in T-cell receptor (TCR) β-chain and immunoglobulin heavy chain between patients with (ORR group) or without ORR (non-ORR group), particularly in the distribution and expression of some genes. Specifically, we found the significant differences in the amino acid composition of complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3) polypeptide sequences in TCR and B-cell receptor (BCR) between the ORR and non-ORR groups. For TCR, we observed substantial oligoclonal enrichment and differences in the abundance of specific V and J genes. Similarly, for BCR, we detected differences in the clonotype abundance of CDR3 polypeptide segments and identified several differential V genes. Camrelizumab combined with platinum-based chemotherapy is effective and well-tolerated as the first-line treatment for ESCC, and IRS may reveal mechanism influencing treatment response.

PMID:40079001 | PMC:PMC11897899 | DOI:10.3389/fimmu.2025.1526443

Biosaf Health. 2024 Nov 19;6(6):361-368. doi: 10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.11.005. eCollection 2024 Dec.

ABSTRACT

Recently, there has been a continuous stream of reports on emerging tick-borne pathogens affecting humans. Qinghai Province, located in the northweastern region, is one of China’s major pastoral areas, providing a suitable environment for ticks’ survival and transmitting tick-borne pathogens. Here, we collected 560 free-living and parasitic ticks from 11 locations in Qinghai Province using the flag-drag method or tweezers, identifying them as belonging to 4 species of ticks. The overall positivity rate for tick-borne pathogens was 51.61 %, comprising Rickettsia (34.64 %), Anaplasma (5.00 %), Ehrlichia (2.14 %), Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (BBSL) (7.50 %), Babesia (0.18 %), and Theileria (5.89 %). Sequencing revealed the presence of 7 species of Rickettsia, 4 species of Anaplasma, 2 species of Ehrlichia, 2 species of BBSL, 1 species of Babesia, and 3 species of Theileria. Among the ticks, 6.43 % were co-infected with 2 pathogens, while 0.36 % exhibited co-infection with 3 pathogens. Significant correlations (P < 0.05) were observed between the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens and factors including tick species, sex, developmental stages, parasitic status, and blood-feeding status. The results highlight the diverse distribution of tick-borne pathogens in Qinghai Province, posing a significant threat to both local animal husbandry and human health. It underscores the need to enhance systematic monitoring of tick-borne pathogens in the local population and livestock.

PMID:40078982 | PMC:PMC11894961 | DOI:10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.11.005

AAS Open Res. 2020 Jan 14;1:10. doi: 10.12688/aasopenres.12848.2. eCollection 2018.

ABSTRACT

Background: A number of studies have investigated transgenerational effects of parental post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its repercussions for offspring. Few studies however, have looked at this issue in the African context. Methods: The present study addresses this gap by utilizing a Pearson correlation matrix to investigate symptom severity within the three Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM-IV) PTSD symptom domains in mothers exposed to the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda (n=25) and offspring (n=25), and an ethnically matched set of controls (n=50) who were outside of Rwanda during the 1994 genocide. All mothers were pregnant with the offspring included in the study during the time of the genocide. Results: Total PTS score was significantly (p<0.01) correlated with each of the three symptom domains at various strengths in both cases and controls. No significant differences in association of total PTS score and PTSD symptom domains were observed between exposed mothers and offspring, suggesting that each symptom domain contributed equivalently to both exposed mothers and offspring distress. In contrast, the re-experiencing symptom domain showed a significant difference in correlation to overall PTS score in non-exposed mothers compared to their offspring (p<0.05), with mothers showing a significantly higher correlation. Furthermore, the correlation between avoidance/numbing symptoms to overall PTS was significantly different (p≤0.01) across exposed and non-exposed mothers. As a secondary analysis, we explored the relationship between DNA methylation in the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) locus, an important stress modulating gene, and PTSD symptom domains, finding an association between DNA methylation and re-experiencing among genocide-exposed mothers that exceeded any other observed associations by approximately two-fold. Conclusions: This is the first report, to our knowledge, of a symptom-based analysis of transgenerational transmission of PTSD in sub-Saharan Africa. These findings can be leveraged to inform further mechanistic and treatment research for PTSD.

PMID:40078965 | PMC:PMC11231627 | DOI:10.12688/aasopenres.12848.2

Front Toxicol. 2025 Feb 26;7:1517970. doi: 10.3389/ftox.2025.1517970. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Poisoning is a global public health problem that has more unfavorable outcomes in developing countries. This study aimed to assess treatment outcomes and associated factors among poisoned patients treated at Saint Peter Specialized Hospital Toxicology Center.

METHODS: An institutional-based retrospective cohort study was employed by reviewing medical chart records of acutely poisoned patients who had been admitted at St. Peter Specialized Hospital Toxicology Center on 01/01/2017 to 30/12/2023 and the medical chart records review was employed from 01/01/2024 to 30/01/2024. This study analyzed records of 553 poisoned patients. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study unit. Data were entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Windows version 26. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify associated factors for treatment outcomes of poisoned patients. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULT: A total of 553 documents of poisoned patients were assessed. The overall mortality rate was 18 (3.25%), and four patients developed chronic complications. Factor analyses show that arrival to the center before 4 h (AOR = 0.43, P = 0.008) predicted recovery, whereas arrival at the toxicology center after 8 h (AOR = 2.21, P = 0.004), being hypotensive (AOR = 1.85, P = 0.002), needing intubation (AOR = 2.52, P = 0.014), and the presence of two or more complication (AOR = 3.3, P < 0.001) at admission were predictors of mortality.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The mortality rate for poisoned patients was 18 (3.25%). In this study, delayed arrival to the toxicology center, being hypotensive, needing intubation, and the presence of two or more complications at admission were factors associated with the mortality and morbidity of the patients. Establishing a strong referral link between the toxicology center and regional health institutions, ensuring the availability of possible advanced clinical setup early recognition, and aggressively resuscitating critically ill patients will help minimize unfavorable outcomes.

PMID:40078956 | PMC:PMC11897292 | DOI:10.3389/ftox.2025.1517970

Biophys Physicobiol. 2023 Sep 15;18:S044-S055. doi: 10.2142/biophysico.bppb-v18.s008. eCollection 2021.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40078954 | PMC:PMC11901661 | DOI:10.2142/biophysico.bppb-v18.s008

Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2025 Mar 8;20:565-580. doi: 10.2147/COPD.S478455. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Following the relatively recent introduction of single-inhaler triple therapies in Japan, this study compared the effectiveness of switching from multiple-inhaler triple therapy (MITT) to once-daily fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol (FF/UMEC/VI) by investigating COPD exacerbations and adherence among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Japan.

METHODS: This retrospective, pre-post cohort study using the Medical Data Vision Co. Ltd database identified patients with ≥1 inpatient diagnosis and/or ≥2 outpatient diagnoses of COPD at age ≥40 years prior to the index date (first/earliest date of single-inhaler FF/UMEC/VI initiation from May 1, 2019-February 28, 2022, following a switch from MITT). The proportion of patients with ≥1 overall (moderate-to-severe), moderate, or severe COPD exacerbation and rate of exacerbations were assessed at 6 months pre- and post-index. Medication adherence (proportion of days covered [PDC]) was also assessed.

RESULTS: In total, 2365 patients were included, with a mean (standard deviation) age of 75.3 (9.7) years, and 77.1% were male. In the 6 months post-switch from MITT to FF/UMEC/VI, there was a statistically significant decrease in the proportion of patients who experienced ≥1 overall (11.2% to 8.8%; p=0.0014) and severe exacerbation (4.6% to 3.2%; p=0.0069). There was a similar proportion of patients who experienced ≥1 moderate exacerbation pre- and post-switch (6.9% to 6.2%; p=0.2394). Rates of overall (rate ratio [RR]: 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.74-1.00; p=0.0528) and moderate exacerbations (RR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.79-1.13; p=0.5796) were numerically lower post-switch. There was a significant reduction in severe exacerbations post-switch (RR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.51-0.90; p=0.0084). Mean PDC was significantly higher in the 6 months post- versus pre-switch (0.83 versus 0.80; p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION: Patients who switched from MITT to FF/UMEC/VI had reduced exacerbations and improved adherence. These results may help inform healthcare providers on the optimum management strategy for patients with COPD in Japan.

PMID:40078928 | PMC:PMC11899897 | DOI:10.2147/COPD.S478455

J Environ Qual. 2025 Mar 12. doi: 10.1002/jeq2.70009. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Climate change, driven by greenhouse gas emissions, has emerged as a pressing global ecological and environmental challenge. Our study is dedicated to exploring the various factors influencing greenhouse gas emissions from animal husbandry and predicting their future trends. To this end, we have analyzed data from China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region spanning from 1978 to 2022, aiming to estimate the carbon emissions associated with animal husbandry in the region. Furthermore, we have constructed an SA-STIRPAT model grounded in scenario analysis to forecast the timing of the carbon emissions peak. Our findings reveal several notable trends. From 2001 to 2022, carbon emissions from animal husbandry in the region followed a pattern of “rapid growth, followed by smooth fluctuations, and then a gradual recovery.” Notably, in 2019, the region reached a peak contribution to China’s animal husbandry carbon emissions, accounting for 8.34% of the national total. Ruminants, including cattle, sheep, and camels, were identified as the primary emitters, responsible for 91.6% of the total greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, our study indicates that factors such as production efficiency, industrial structure, economic level, and population structure positively impact carbon emissions, while population size negatively affects animal husbandry’s carbon footprint. Our model predicts that under both low-carbon and benchmark scenarios, carbon emissions from animal husbandry in the region are expected to decline after 2030. However, under a high-carbon scenario, emissions are anticipated to peak in 2040. In conclusion, to achieve Inner Mongolia’s “dual carbon” goals, it is imperative to implement effective population control measures, enhance production efficiency, elevate the level of urbanization, and optimize the industrial structure.

PMID:40074696 | DOI:10.1002/jeq2.70009

Ann Med. 2025 Dec;57(1):2476042. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2025.2476042. Epub 2025 Mar 12.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Despite the high prevalence of mental stress among physicians, reliable screening tools are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the capability of the Physician Well-Being Index (PWBI) in identifying distress and adverse consequences among Chinese physicians.

METHODS: This cross-sectional online survey recruited 2803 physicians from Southern Mainland China via snowball sampling between October and December 2020. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, the PWBI, mental distress (including quality of life [QOL], burnout, sleepiness, fatigue and suicidal ideation) and adverse outcomes (medical errors and turnover intention) were collected. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used for data analysis.

RESULTS: Seven items of the PWBI (emotional exhaustion, depression, stress, poor mental and physical QOL, low work meaning and dissatisfaction with work-life integration) were independently associated with low QOL (all p < 0.05). Physicians with lower QOL were more likely to endorse each item (OR: 1.76-5.86) and less likely to have favourable index scores (all p < 0.001). Assuming a prevalence of 29.2% for low QOL, the PWBI could reduce the post-test probability to 6.9% or increase it to 70.8%. Physicians scoring ≥4 on the PWBI were at increased risk (likelihood ratio >1) for experiencing various mental distress, with sensitivity exceeding 80% in detecting burnout, depression, high stress and anxiety. Additionally, the PWBI score helped stratify physicians’ likelihood of reporting medical errors and turnover intention.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary insights into the validity and utility of the 9-item PWBI as a screening tool for assessing distress and well-being among Chinese physicians, helping identify those at higher risk of medical errors or turnover. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to the limited sample size.

PMID:40074683 | DOI:10.1080/07853890.2025.2476042

J Pediatr Urol. 2025 Feb 25:S1477-5131(25)00116-0. doi: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2025.02.025. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: In the preoperative period, non-pharmacological methods such as multimedia applications and visual and audio technological tools are used to reduce children’s fear and anxiety levels and to distract their attention to create a more enjoyable experience. One of these innovative technologies having attracted attention recently is augmented reality technology. The study was aimed investigating the effects of reading an augmented reality storybook on fear and anxiety levels of children in the age group of 7-12 years in the preoperative period.

METHODS: The sample of the study consisted of 60 children who met the inclusion criteria. Of them, 30 were in the augmented reality story group, and 30 were in the normal story group. Data were collected through the following data collection tools: ‘Sociodemographic Information Form’, ‘Children’s Anxiety Meter’ and ‘Child Fear Scale’. The book “One Child, One Miracle” was used as an intervention tool in the study. The clinical trial registration number of this randomized controlled experimental study is NCT06399016.

RESULTS: In the study, a statistically significant difference and a decrease in the pre-test and post-test fear and anxiety average scores of the children in both groups was observed. The mean fear score of the children in the Augmented reality storybook reading group decreased more than did the score of the children in the normal story reading group.

CONCLUSIONS: In order to prevent preoperative fear and anxiety in children staying in pediatric surgery clinics, it is recommended to expand the use of augmented reality storybooks before surgery. Reading stories is an effective, inexpensive and non-pharmacological intervention.

PMID:40074655 | DOI:10.1016/j.jpurol.2025.02.025