Nevin Manimala

BMC Nurs. 2025 Jun 20;24(1):665. doi: 10.1186/s12912-025-03333-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Nurses to assist patients make the best choices in challenging circumstances, counseling is crucial. Patients’ health and quality of life can be enhanced by healthcare providers, particularly nurses, through counseling and educational initiatives. Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain that negatively impacts an individual’s ability to work. People may be able to improve their physical and mental health and accept suffering with the use of nursing counseling methods.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effect of counselling intervention on symptoms, pain acceptance, and the psychological well-being of patients with fibromyalgia.

DESIGN: A quasi-experimental (study and control group pre/post-test) design included 120 patients with fibromyalgia during their follow-up visits to the outpatient rheumatology clinic at El-Demerdash Hospital affiliated with Ain Shams University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt. TOOLS FOR DATA COLLECTION: (1) Structured Interview Questionnaire for Patients with Fibromyalgia, (2) Pain Acceptance Questionnaire, (3) Psychological well-being Questionnaire.

RESULTS: Post intervention, there were statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of psychological well-being, pain acceptance, and symptoms (p < 0.05). Regarding the total level of pain acceptance post implementation of the counseling intervention, there was a highly statistically significant difference between the study and control groups. Post the implementation of the counseling intervention, there was a statistically significant difference in the study group’s anxiety, depression, vitality, positive well-being, and general health (0.03*, 0.01**). Additionally, the study group’s pain willingness and activity engagement subscales showed statistically significant differences, with a p-value of less than 0.001. Additionally, there were statistically significant differences between the groups pre and post the program’s implementation in terms of psychological well-being, pain acceptance, and symptoms (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with fibromyalgia under research report statistically significant improvements in their psychological well-being, pain acceptance, and symptoms when counseling interventions are used.

RECOMMENDATIONS: In addition to the standard nursing care provided to patients in all fibromyalgia treatment clinics, counseling interventions must be included. Clinics must schedule counseling sessions on a monthly basis. To increase their understanding and boost their mental and physical health, it should be updated on a regular basis. More study is needed to evaluate the biopsychosocial needs of such people and treat all the fibromyalgia-related signs and symptoms.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

PMID:40542337 | DOI:10.1186/s12912-025-03333-0

Thromb J. 2025 Jun 20;23(1):68. doi: 10.1186/s12959-025-00760-6.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Deep Vein Thrombosis is a significant public health concern associated with high morbidity and mortality, mainly when left undiagnosed or untreated. In Ethiopia, fragmented data from various studies have reported varying prevalence and risk factors, necessitating a comprehensive synthesis. This systematic review aimed to identify and summarize the key factors contributing to deep vein thrombosis among patients in Ethiopia.

METHODS: The study used a systematic review and meta-analysis design, sourcing evidence from various electronic databases until April 04, 2025. Data was extracted from March 10-15 and analyzed from March 15-25, with the report generation until April 04, 2025. The mortality rate was assessed using the pooled odds ratio and the pooled proportion. A meta-analysis was conducted using R software, with forest plots for visual representation. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I² statistic. The quality of the studies was assessed using validated tools.

RESULTS: The review showed the pooled prevalence of deep vein thrombosis from eight articles was 5.6%( CI: 2.9, 8.5), with a 5% mortality rate (CI: 3, 8), and a 7.15%( CI: 2, 12) recurrence rate. Advanced age, being male, pregnancy, hypertension, diabetes, comorbid conditions, and a history of Deep Vein Thrombosis, high cholesterol level, orthopedic trauma, Alcohol consumption, and obesity, Patients with bilateral Deep Vein Thrombosis prolonged hospitalization, ward admission, and patient transfer from other hospitals, and use of central venous catheters were associate with increased the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis development.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The review showed that Deep Vein Thrombosis is a significant health concern in Ethiopia, with a prevalence of 5.6%, a mortality rate of 5%, and a recurrence rate of 7.15%. Factors such as advanced age, pregnancy, prior deep-vein thrombosis, comorbidities, intensive care unit admission, surgery, prolonged hospitalization, and central venous catheter use increase risk. To reduce DVT-related complications, routine risk assessments, early intervention strategies, and strengthened hospital protocols are essential.

REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD420251024491 was registered with PROSPERO on 06 April 2025.

PMID:40542335 | DOI:10.1186/s12959-025-00760-6

Discov Oncol. 2025 Jun 21;16(1):1171. doi: 10.1007/s12672-025-02913-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Chinese patent drugs, standardized formulations rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, have gained attention for their potential to induce programmed cell death (PCD) in cancer cells. Emerging evidence suggests that these formulations may affect multiple PCD pathways, including apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis, thus offering a multifaceted approach to tumor suppression.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to map the global research landscape on Chinese patent drugs in cancer-related PCD, examining publication trends, principal contributors, and thematic evolutions. The analysis also sought to provide insights that could guide future investigations and clinical applications.

METHODS: Bibliometric data were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection (1998-2023), focusing on articles investigating Chinese patent drugs and PCD in oncological contexts. R-bibliometrix was used for descriptive statistics and trend analyses, while VOSviewer generated network visualizations of co-occurring keywords, collaboration patterns, and co-citation clusters.

RESULTS: Overall publication output increased markedly, with China leading in both volume and impact. Collaboration networks revealed extensive international partnerships, underscoring global interest in standardized herbal formulations. Keyword mapping highlighted a shift from early apoptosis-centric studies to more diverse regulated cell-death pathways, indicating greater mechanistic depth and exploration of synergistic effects with conventional therapies.

CONCLUSION: Chinese patent drugs are increasingly recognized as promising agents for modulating PCD in cancer cells. Ongoing work focuses on standardized manufacturing, robust clinical validation, and mechanistic elucidation. These trends position Chinese patent drugs at a pivotal juncture for advancing integrative oncology and enhancing patient outcomes.

PMID:40542322 | DOI:10.1007/s12672-025-02913-5

Environ Monit Assess. 2025 Jun 21;197(7):786. doi: 10.1007/s10661-025-14191-3.

ABSTRACT

Effective nutrient management in fruit orchards necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the spatial variability of both soil and leaf nutrients. This study aimed to assess the spatial distribution of soil fertility parameters and mango leaf nutrient concentrations across 57 orchards in the Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh, employing geostatistical techniques and principal component analysis (PCA). Composite soil samples were collected at two depths: surface (0-20 cm) and sub-surface (20-40 cm), along with corresponding leaf samples and analyzed for macro and micronutrient contents. Descriptive statistics revealed substantial variability, particularly in available P (CV: 39.27%), K (55.16%), Fe (47.59%), and Cu (44.16%). Semivariogram modeling indicated strong spatial dependence for soil pH, EC, and P, and for leaf P, K, Fe, and Mn, with nugget-to-sill ratios below 0.25. Spatial distribution maps generated through kriging revealed significant heterogeneity in both soil and leaf nutrient contents. Leaf Mg showed extremely high variability (CV: 124.84%), highlighting localized nutritional imbalances. PCA extracted four principal components at each depth, collectively explaining over 56.20% (surface) and 55.70% (sub-surface) of the total variance, with high loadings for K, Fe, S, Zn, and N. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant associations between soil and leaf nutrients, notably available S with leaf K (r = 0.45) and soil organic carbon with leaf Mn (r = 0.31**). These findings highlight the pronounced spatial heterogeneity of nutrient distribution in mango orchards and underscore the critical need for depth and site-specific nutrient management strategies. Integrating spatial analysis with nutrient diagnostics can optimize input use, enhance mango yield and quality, and support the sustainable management of soil fertility in orchard ecosystems.

PMID:40542309 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-025-14191-3

Reprod Sci. 2025 Jun 20. doi: 10.1007/s43032-025-01912-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the primary cause of intra-uterine infections (human health) affecting 40-100% of pregnant women globally, with lower rates observed in high-income countries and higher rates in low- and middle-income regions, and it is vertically transmitted to fetus. Mutation in the TLR4 gene is known for enhanced predisposition to several viral, bacterial, and parasitic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between TLR4 Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile gene polymorphisms and vulnerability to HCMV infection in pregnant women. A total of 400 pregnant women, 150 patients infected with HCMV during pregnancy and 250 age-matched control individuals uninfected with virus, age between 18 and 40 years were included in this study. DNA was extracted and PCR was carried out for screening HCMV infection and TLR4 allele-specific polymorphisms using PCR-based genotyping assay. This was achieved by a genotyping procedure that employs PCR. Prevalence rates of genotypes and alleles in TLR4 SNP were calculated; both in the HCMV infected and uninfected pregnant women by means of descriptive statistics. The results suggested that women with a heterozygous genotype for TLR4 Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile polymorphisms have an increased predisposition to HCMV infection (p = 0.037 and p = 0.024, respectively). Our analysis revealed that individuals with Gly and Ile alleles had a higher susceptibility to HCMV infection (p = 0.013 and p = 0.001, respectively). The IIe/Gly haplotype showed a significant correlation with the probability of illness compared to the control group (p = 0.006). A correlation was also seen between increased TLR4 mRNA expression and HCMV positivity (p = 0.04). Thus, polymorphisms in the TLR4 gene (Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile) seem to contribute to the occurrence of HCMV infection in pregnant women.

PMID:40542308 | DOI:10.1007/s43032-025-01912-9

Int J Mycobacteriol. 2025 Apr 1;14(2):132-139. doi: 10.4103/ijmy.ijmy_30_25. Epub 2025 Jun 20.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study aims to identify the signatures of natural selection in the pyrazinamidase (pncA) gene to see if genetic adaptations by Darwinian natural selection have shaped genetic composition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb).

METHODS: The present analyses were based on 209 DNA sequences (561 bp) of the pncA gene of the bacterial pathogen, Mtb from seven different counties (Peru, Pakistan, South Africa, Mexico, India, China, and Kuwait) endemic to tuberculosis (TB). Before conducting tests for Darwinian natural selection in the pncA gene, we conducted several tests for neutrality in all the available DNA sequences after retrieval from public domains. Several statistical analyses under different algorithms were conducted and biological/evolutionary inferences were drawn.

RESULTS: The 209 sequences of the pncA gene in Mtb belonging to seven different countries were found to be perfectly aligned with the reference sequence. Data analyses under different population genetic models revealed the highest genetic diversity in India, followed by Peru; the lowest was in China. Interestingly, four populations; Peru, Pakistan, India, and Kuwait were found to be deviated from neutral model of evolution based on Tajima’D (TD) values; two populations (India and Peru) based on Fu and Li’s D and F (FLD and FLF) test values and five populations (India, Peru, Pakistan, South Africa, and Kuwait) based on Fay and Wu’s H (FWH) test. Moreover, based on the statistically significant results of neutrality tests, evidence for positive selection in three populations (Peru [P < 0.02945], Pakistan [P < 0.01767], and Kuwait [P < 0.00301]) at P < 0.05 level of significance] was found.

CONCLUSION: The present evolutionary genetic analysis of the pncA gene indicates different levels of genetic diversity in seven different country populations. As almost all the global populations showed deviation from neutral model and three populations showed signatures of natural selection, with no specific hotspot region identified for PZA resistance, this gene needs to be studied with larger population size covering countries with TB incidences to study the evolution of drug resistance in Mtb. This will help in the management of drug resistance and TB elimination plan.

PMID:40540657 | DOI:10.4103/ijmy.ijmy_30_25

Int J Mycobacteriol. 2025 Apr 1;14(2):126-131. doi: 10.4103/ijmy.ijmy_29_25. Epub 2025 Jun 20.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading global cause of infectious disease-related mortality. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics, outcomes, and prognostic factors in patients diagnosed with tuberculous arachnoiditis, a serious complication of TB affecting the spinal cord and nerve roots.

METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of adult patients admitted with tuberculous arachnoiditis to a tertiary care center between July 2011 and November 2021. A total of 119 patients were included. Data collected included demographics, clinical presentation, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, treatment regimens, and outcomes assessed using the Modified Rankin Scale at presentation and follow-up. Predictors of outcomes, including mortality, were analyzed using SPSS software.

RESULTS: The median age of patients was 34 years (standard deviation ± 14.13), with a male-to-female ratio of 53:47. Common presenting features included lower-limb weakness (67% with power ≤3/5) and bowel/bladder dysfunction (61%). Higher CSF leukocyte counts and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection were significantly associated with worse outcomes; 63.6% of HIV-positive patients died before review. Elevated CSF protein levels were directly correlated with mortality. Longer duration of antitubercular therapy (ATT) was associated with improved outcomes. Statistical analysis identified HIV status and CSF protein count as independent predictors of mortality in TB arachnoiditis.

CONCLUSION: In this cohort of patients with tuberculous arachnoiditis, lower-limb weakness and bowel/bladder incontinence were the predominant clinical features. HIV seropositivity, elevated CSF protein levels, and duration of ATT significantly influenced patient outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of early diagnosis, prompt initiation of ATT, and management of associated factors like HIV in improving outcomes for patients with TB arachnoiditis.

PMID:40540656 | DOI:10.4103/ijmy.ijmy_29_25

Int J Mycobacteriol. 2025 Apr 1;14(2):96-102. doi: 10.4103/ijmy.ijmy_229_24. Epub 2025 Jun 20.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Studies on the role of mannose-binding lectin 2 (MBL2) in individuals infected with tuberculosis (TB) remain limited. This study aimed to compare MBL2 gene expression and protein concentration between active and latent TB cases and to assess the influence of sex on these differences.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 39 newly diagnosed active pulmonary TB patients and 25 individuals with latent TB who were household contacts. MBL2 gene expression was evaluated using a relative quantitative polymerase chain reaction method. MBL protein levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS: Among female participants, MBL2 gene expression was significantly lower in those with active TB compared to those with latent TB (P = 0.02). In male participants, no significant difference was observed (P = 0.333). Similarly, MBL protein levels tended to be lower in females with active TB than in those with latent TB, though this difference was not statistically significant (median [range]: 124.78 [65.62-499.79] vs. 208.49 [99.85-498.65] ng/mL, P = 0.099). In males, no significant difference in MBL protein levels was detected between the active TB and latent TB groups (206.86 [59.11-526.77] vs. 143.55 [65.85-290.7] ng/mL, P = 0.285).

CONCLUSION: This study highlights the influence of sex on the expression of the MBL2 gene and plasma protein levels in TB patients. A lower expression of the MBL2 gene in active TB cases compared to latent TB cases was observed exclusively in women.

PMID:40540652 | DOI:10.4103/ijmy.ijmy_229_24

Int J Prosthodont. 2025 Jun 20;0(0):1-21. doi: 10.11607/ijp.9205. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The impact of varying thicknesses and densities of nano hydroxyapatite (n-HA) coating on the microshear bond strength (μSBS) of zirconia ceramics to resin cements is not well investigated.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the impact of nano hydroxyapatite coating of different concentrations on the microshear bond strength of zirconia ceramics to resin cements.

MATERIALS AND METHOD: 48 Cercon Y-TZP blocks (4×4×4 mm) were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=12); 1) Control group, 2) 5gr n-HA coating, 3) 10gr n-HA coating, and 4) 15gr n-HA coating. The specimens were sintered at 1250°C. The thickness of the coatings was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were carried out to characterize the surface. All specimens were then bonded to Panavia F2.0 cement. Microshear bond testing was carried out using a universal testing machine. Stereomicroscope imaging was used to evaluate the zirconia surface failure mode. The data were analyzed using Kruskall-wallis and Mann-whitney test and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: The mean μSBS value of the 5gr n-HA coated group with a thickness of 7.71±2.51 micron was 28.30±3.02 Mpa, which was significantly higher than the control group with the mean value of 19.94±1.86 Mpa (P<0.05). The mean μSBS value of the 10gr and 15gr n-HA with thicker coatings were 21.66±3.63 Mpa and 15.23±3.34 Mpa, respectively. Additionally, the main mode of failure for the 5gr n-HA group was a mixed failue. In contrast, the adhesive mode of failure was more dominant in the control group. EDS and XRD analysis revealed the formation of crystalline HA on zirconia blocks, highlighting the predominant zirconia peak at 32°. The SEM analysis of the coated specimens displayed a uniform layer of n-HA coating with evident cracks which were filled with the resin cement. These cracks themselves can help increase the bond strength between ceramic and resin cement.

CONCLUSION: A thin coating of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite on zirconia surface can be effective in enhancing the micro shear bond strength of these ceramics to resin cements. The microshear bond strength of nHA-coated zirconia significantly improved compared to the untreated specimens.

PMID:40540639 | DOI:10.11607/ijp.9205

Int J Prosthodont. 2025 Jun 20;0(0):1-18. doi: 10.11607/ijp.8982. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate color changes in 3D-printed acrylic restorations of varying thicknesses and exposed to different post-curing durations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three virtual full-contour maxillary central incisor crowns with different buccal thicknesses (1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mm) were designed and manufactured using a 3D printer and a photopolymer (n = 9 per thickness group). The lightness, hue, and chroma of the restorations were measured at baseline (prior to post-curing) and again at 5 min intervals up to 30 min during the post-curing process using a spectrophotometer. Color changes (ΔE) were calculated by comparing the CIE L*, a*, b* coordinates at different time points to the baseline values. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and the Tukey’s post-hoc test were used for statistical analysis (α = .05).

RESULTS: The ΔE increased significantly within the first 5 min of post-curing and was more gradual thereafter in all thickness groups. The ΔE values were significantly higher in the 1.5 and 2.0 mm thickness groups compared to the 1.0 mm thickness group. The C* coordinate was seen to increase significantly within the first 5 min of post-curing, and did not change significantly afterward.

CONCLUSIONS: During post-curing, the hue of a 3D printed polymeric restoration changed to yellowish and reddish shades, the brightness decreased, and the saturation increased. Most color changes occurred within the first 5 min of post-curing and were also more noticeable in thicker restorations.

PMID:40540638 | DOI:10.11607/ijp.8982