Nevin Manimala

Res Sq [Preprint]. 2025 Jan 30:rs.3.rs-5901359. doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-5901359/v1.

ABSTRACT

Inflammation plays a central role in the progression of kidney injury induced by ischemia/reperfusion (IR). Meprin metalloproteinases have been implicated in the pathophysiology of IR-induced kidney injury. Existing data from in vitro and in vivo studies show that meprins modulate interleukin-6 (IL-6)-mediated inflammation via proteolytic processing of IL-6 and its receptor. IL-6 trans-signaling induces proliferation through either MAPK/ERK or PI3K/AKT pathway or in crosstalk with AKT/ERK. We previously showed that meprin β modulates cellular survival (BCL-2) through IL-6/JAK/STAT signaling pathway in IR-induced kidney injury. However, it’s not known how meprin β modulation of the IL-6 signaling pathway impacts the cellular proliferation in IR-induced acute kidney injury. The goal of the current study was to determine how meprin β modulation of the IL-6 signaling pathway impacts downstream cellular proliferation in IR-induced kidney injury. We used the unilateral IR as a model of renal inflammation in wild-type (WT) and meprin β knockout (βKO) mice, with the contralateral kidneys serving as controls. The mice were sacrificed at 96 h post-IR, and kidney tissue processed for evaluation by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Statistical analysis utilized two-way ANOVA. RT-PCR data showed a significant increase in mRNA levels for IL-6 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in WT and βKO mice at 96 h-post IR when compared to WT control kidneys. However, the baseline mRNA levels for PCNA were significantly higher in βKO when compared to WT kidneys. Immunohistochemical data showed significant increases in IL-6, PCNA, p-AKT and p-ERK in select tubules in both genotypes at 96 h post-IR when compared to control kidneys for each genotype. Data from immunofluorescence counterstaining of kidney tissues revealed that at 96 hours post-IR, IL-6, PCNA, p-AKT, and p-ERK were primarily expressed in meprin β-expressing proximal tubules (PTs), where meprins are abundantly present. However, high levels of IL-6 were also present in the lumen of PTs and DTs from WT and βKO kidneys at 96 h post-IR, suggesting increased release/shedding into filtrate and subsequently into urine. In conclusion, this study highlights the role of meprin β activity in regulating cellular proliferation through PCNA regulation, driven by the IL-6-mediated AKT/ERK signaling pathway during the recovery phase following IR-induced kidney injury.

PMID:39975921 | PMC:PMC11838750 | DOI:10.21203/rs.3.rs-5901359/v1

Indian J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2025 Mar;41(3):371-380. doi: 10.1007/s12055-024-01889-1. Epub 2025 Feb 8.

ABSTRACT

Correlation indicates a relationship between variables without causation, while causation implies one variable directly influences the other in clinical research. Through various statistical approaches, including Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients, we can explore the strength of linear and non-linear relationships. Phi coefficient and the point-biserial correlation are other alternative techniques. Scatter plots are used to illustrate correlations in real-world data, guiding surgeons in understanding how variables like experience impact complication rates. Emphasis is placed on recognizing confounding variables, applying appropriate statistical methods, and interpreting results accurately to inform clinical decisions. This paper highlights the importance of evidence-based, data-driven practices in enhancing surgical outcomes.

PMID:39975868 | PMC:PMC11832967 | DOI:10.1007/s12055-024-01889-1

Front Aging. 2025 Feb 5;6:1488528. doi: 10.3389/fragi.2025.1488528. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Observational studies have reported that patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have a greater burden of comorbidities typically associated with stress-related psychiatric disorders. However, the contribution of hereditary factors to this comorbidity remains unclear. We evaluated phenotypic associations using observational data from the UK Biobank.

METHOD: Our study focused on investigating the shared risk variants and genetic etiology underlying AD and three stress-related psychiatric disorders: post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder. By leveraging summary statistics from genome-wide association studies, we investigated global genetic correlations using linkage disequilibrium score regression, genetic covariance analysis, and high-definition likelihood. Genome-wide cross-trait analysis with association analysis based on subsets and cross-phenotype association were performed to discover genome-wide significant risk variants shared between AD and the three stress-related psychiatric disorders.

RESULTS: A significant positive genetic correlation was observed between AD and major depressive disorder using linkage disequilibrium score regression (rg = 0.231; P = 0.018), genetic covariance analysis (rg = 0.138; P < 0.001), and high-definition likelihood (rg = 0.188; P < 0.001). Association analysis based on subsets and cross-phenotype association revealed thirteen risk variants in six genes shared between AD and post-traumatic stress disorder; seven risk variants in four genes shared between AD and anxiety disorder; and 23 risk variants in four genes shared between AD and major depressive disorder. Functional annotation and gene-set enrichment analysis indicated that 12 genes for comorbidity shared between patients with AD and all three stress-related psychiatric disorders were enriched in the spleen, pancreas, and whole blood.

CONCLUSION: These results advance our knowledge of the shared genetic origins of comorbidities and pave the way for advancements in the diagnosis, management, and prevention of stress-related AD.

PMID:39975850 | PMC:PMC11837265 | DOI:10.3389/fragi.2025.1488528

Heliyon. 2025 Jan 15;11(3):e41958. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e41958. eCollection 2025 Feb 15.

ABSTRACT

This research aimed to explore the connection between Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and Social Media Addiction (SMA) and assess the efficacy of guidance and counseling programs in mitigating FoMO and SMA among Saudi students. Four hundred and seventy students from Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University participated, completing the Fear of Missing Out Scale and the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale. The study employed both a cross-sectional approach to examine associations among variables and a quasi-experimental method to gauge the impact of the Guidance and Counseling Program on reducing FoMO and SMA. Findings indicated a positive correlation between fear of missing out and social media addiction. Subsequent analysis of the experimental study demonstrated statistically significant differences in students’ mean scores for FoMO and SMA before and after intervention. The experimental group exhibited significantly lower scores at the post-test compared to pretest scores. Conversely, there were no statistically significant differences in scores for the control groups before and after the intervention. In conclusion, guidance and counseling programs were found to be effective in diminishing the fear of missing out and social media addiction among students.

PMID:39975830 | PMC:PMC11835568 | DOI:10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e41958

Heliyon. 2025 Jan 24;11(3):e42260. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e42260. eCollection 2025 Feb 15.

ABSTRACT

Managing patient flow in hospitals is a critical part of effective secondary care. Considering a hospital as a multi-compartment system through which patients pass, we will derive relevant equations to allow a description of patient flow through these departments as a series of interconnected dynamic relationships. These relationships are determined by many factors, some known, and many interdependent. We do not need to, and indeed cannot, know all of these factors (as needed for discrete event simulation, or agent-based modelling), but will merely examine the net changes between compartments (i.e. a ‘system dynamics’ approach). Using this approach, we were able to identify two relevant states of equilibrium: the first (trivial) is when the hospital is empty; the second, is when there is activity. We plan to use bed usage data from a UK hospital in an attempt to validate this methodology and then assess its generalizability.

PMID:39975828 | PMC:PMC11835610 | DOI:10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e42260

Heliyon. 2025 Jan 28;11(3):e42313. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e42313. eCollection 2025 Feb 15.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Pringle maneuver is a classic and commonly used technique in hepatectomy for bleeding control. However, it is not convenient to perform Pringle maneuver in laparoscopic hepatectomy. This study aimed to investigate the value of a novel blocking forceps designed by our center for the Pringle maneuver in laparoscopic hepatectomy.

METHODS: Data of patients with liver tumors who underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy between 2017 and 2022 were retrospectively collected. Patients who underwent an intraoperative Pringle maneuver were selected. Cases using the new blocking forceps comprised the new blocking forceps group (NBF group), while cases using the traditional method of binding the hepatoduodenal ligament comprised the traditional group (TRA group). The baseline and perioperative data of the two patient groups were compared and analyzed.

RESULTS: A total of 253 cases were included in the analysis, including 169 in the TRA group and 84 in the NBF group. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of preoperative examinations and other indicators. The NBF group had a significantly lower number of blocks, total blocking time, intraoperative bleeding, and transfusion ratio than the TRA group.

CONCLUSION: Our self-designed blocking forceps can safely and effectively complete the Pringle maneuver and are convenient to operate, which is conducive to the successful completion of the operation.

PMID:39975819 | PMC:PMC11835583 | DOI:10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e42313

Adv Med Educ Pract. 2025 Feb 15;16:235-244. doi: 10.2147/AMEP.S503289. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Interprofessional education (IPE) is widely recognized as an effective practice in healthcare education that helps healthcare students understand different professional roles, and values related to collaboration, teamwork, and leadership within healthcare teams. This study was conducted to measure attitudes and readiness for IPE among healthcare students at Taif University and to explore any differences in students’ attitudes in relation to their healthcare program, year of study and other related factors.

METHODS: Healthcare undergraduates participated in a cross-sectional study conducted from January 2024 to March 2024. Data was collected electronically by filling out an electronic version of The Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS), which was sent to students in advanced years of study, 3^rd year and higher, depending on the program. Data was analyzed descriptively and statistically using appropriate univariate and bivariate analyses.

RESULTS: A total of 263 healthcare students participated in the study (68.8% female, 31.2% male), and the majority were from pharmacy program (55.1%), followed by nursing (25.1%) and medicine (19.8%). The overall RIPLS score for all students was 76.58, indicating positive attitudes towards IPE. The RIPLS score differed significantly (P=0.01) in relation to the program of study, with nursing students showing the highest readiness (77.59), and medical students showed the least (73.56). For the other factors, no significant difference was found in RIPLS scores in relation to gender, clinical training experience, attending previous IPE sessions, or the year of study.

CONCLUSION: Attitudes and readiness for IPE among healthcare undergraduates at Taif University were positive, particularly among nursing students. The reasons behind differences in readiness for IPE among programs need further investigation by researchers and healthcare educators. Offering introductory sessions to introduce the concept of IPE to healthcare programs with lower readiness might be helpful to raise students’ awareness of the value of IPE.

PMID:39975809 | PMC:PMC11837851 | DOI:10.2147/AMEP.S503289

Front Public Health. 2025 Feb 5;13:1475357. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1475357. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Vaginal colonization by pathogenic bacteria increases the risk of bacterial infections such as sepsis, which is associated with high neonatal mortality. More than half a million newborn deaths occur globally each year due to infections that lead to sepsis. However, the problem is worsening in Ethiopia the evidence of vaginal colonization and vertical transmission is scarce.

METHODS: A healthcare facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Dessie town from April 1 to June 30, 2023, among 348 pregnant women and their newborns. Socio-demographic, clinical, and related data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Vaginal swab samples from pregnant women and pooled external ear, nasal area, and umbilical swab samples from the newborns were collected and transported using Amies transport media. Samples were inoculated into blood agar, Todd Hewitt selective enrichment broth, and MacConkey agar for bacterial isolation, and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and CHROM Agar for Candida species isolation. The antimicrobial susceptibility was performed on isolates using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 25.0. Logistic regression model was used to identify the associated factors. Finally, variables with p < 0.05 and their 95% confidence interval were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: A total of 348 pregnant women attending vaginal delivery were included in the study. The maternal colonization and vertical transmission rates were 55.5% (193/348) and 53.9% (104/348), respectively. The most frequent potential pathogen among pregnant women was Escherichia coli (27.6%), followed by Candida spp. (14.1%), and Klebsiella spp. (6%). Similarly, the predominant isolates in the newborns were E. coli (16.4%), Candida spp. (6.3%), and Klebsiella spp. (3.6%). The overall multidrug resistance levels of potential pathogens were 37.3%. Living with domestic animals (p = 0.001), having premature rupture of membrane (p = 0.010) and history of urinary tract infection (p = 0.013) were significantly associated with maternal colonization. Potential pathogen colonization newborn was significantly associated with duration of labor (p = 0.024) and low birth weight (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: The finding of the present study revealed that vaginal colonization and vertical transmissions of potential pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance is still a significant problem. This alarms the urgency of evidence based-intervention to improve maternal and neonatal health.

PMID:39975790 | PMC:PMC11836021 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2025.1475357

Front Public Health. 2025 Feb 5;13:1524173. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1524173. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Computer vision syndrome refers to a range of eye and vision-related problems which may result from extended use of digital devices such as computers. It is a public health problem, affecting more than 70% of all computer users. In developing countries like Ethiopia, there is scarcity of studies on computer vision syndrome, particularly in the telecom industry making evidence-based interventions difficult. Hence, the study aims to identify the determinants and the prevalence of computer vision syndrome among Ethio telecom workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CVS and identify its factors among Ethio telecom workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

METHODS: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Ethio telecom employees in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from March to June 2023. A total of 497 individuals participated in the study. Data were collected using an interviewer- administered questionnaire through Kobo Toolbox, observational checklist and an illuminance measuring instrument. The data were transferred to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the association and control for potential confounders.

RESULTS: The prevalence of CVS among Ethio telecom workers was 68.8% (95% CI: 64.5-72.9). Significant associations were observed with viewing distance <50 cm (AOR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.24-4.33), improper task illumination (AOR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.09-2.91), habit of taking breaks (AOR: 0.439, 95% CI: 0.281-0.686), and adjustment of brightness and contrast (AOR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.22-0.68).

CONCLUSION: More than two-thirds of Ethio telecom workers in Addis Ababa suffer from CVS, with significant influences from viewing distance, task illumination, breaks, and monitor settings. These findings underscore the need for interventions to enhance working conditions and reduce CVS prevalence among computer users.

PMID:39975780 | PMC:PMC11835813 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2025.1524173

Front Public Health. 2025 Feb 5;13:1498450. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1498450. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Women of reproductive age (18-44 years) are at an increased risk of developing obesity due to pregnancy, life-transitions, and marginalization. Obesity in women negatively affects women’s health and pregnancy outcomes and can increase risk their children will develop obesity. Less is known about obesity risk at the interpersonal and environmental levels for women of reproductive age. This study uses the socioecological model to explore women’s obesity risk across ecological levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A secondary cross-sectional analysis was conducted using baseline data (March 2019-June 2022) from the cluster-randomized Healthy Eating and Active Living Taught at Home (HEALTH) Dissemination and Implementation study. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine associations between individual, interpersonal, and environmental level factors with weight status (overweight vs. obesity).

RESULTS: Among 221 participants (43% Hispanic/Latino, 51% High school or less), 37% were overweight and 63% had obesity. Interpersonal and environmental factors were not statistically significantly associated with obesity relative to overweight in bivariate analyses. In multivariate models, individual level factors of high/moderate physical activity (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.26,0.84, p = 0.01) and food insecurity (OR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.33,4.71, p = 0.00) were statistically significantly related to risk of having obesity compared to being overweight.

DISCUSSION: Physical activity and food insecurity were associated with obesity in this study. Associations with interpersonal and environmental level factors were not statistically significant, which may be due to limited sample size or measures available to assess these levels. Future studies should investigate structural determinants (e.g., economic, neighborhood and physical environment), which may drive physical activity and food insecurity.

PMID:39975777 | PMC:PMC11835867 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2025.1498450