Nevin Manimala

BMC Oral Health. 2025 Feb 19;25(1):259. doi: 10.1186/s12903-025-05641-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the frequency and radiodiagnostic characteristics of maxillary antroliths using cone beam computed tomography.

METHODS: A review of 1166 patients aged 11-85 years was conducted to assess the frequency of maxillary antroliths, considering sex, age, and location. The relationship between antroliths and sex, location, dental treatment status, and sinus inflammation was evaluated. The shape, size, and volume of the antroliths were also analyzed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, Spearman rank correlation, independent t-tests, and Pearson Chi-square tests.

RESULTS: Forty-eight antroliths were detected in 41 patients (3.5%), with 16 in males and 25 in females. The frequency of antroliths was higher in the 81-90- and 31-40-years age groups (p < 0.001). The most common locations were the sinus floor (56.3%) and molar region (87.5%), with an amorphous shape (47.9%). Regarding the sinus-mucosa relationship, 66.7% of patients had mucosal thickness completely covering the antroliths, and 72.9% had less than one-third of the sinus opacified. Tooth extraction was the most common dental status near the antrolith (45.8%). The shape, size, and volume of antroliths did not affect the surrounding mucosal thickness (p > 0.05), but sinuses containing antroliths had significantly thicker mucosa than those without (p = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that although antroliths are relatively rare, predominantly located on the sinus floor and in the molar region, their presence is associated with increased mucosal thickening regardless of their shape, size, or volume. Understanding their radiographic features can aid in differential diagnosis and help anticipate potential complications during surgical interventions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial protocol was retrospectively registered ID NCT06765148 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ ); 09/01/2025.

PMID:39972501 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-025-05641-y

Nutr J. 2025 Feb 19;24(1):27. doi: 10.1186/s12937-025-01092-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Limited evidence exists about the relationship between serum carotenoid and mortality in metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients, and the effects of medication use on this association remains unclear.

METHODS: The study encompassed 2,521 MetS patients from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2006 and 2017-2018. A total of 7 serum carotenoids were evaluated. Death data were sourced from the National Death Index, with causes assessed using ICD-10 codes. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and random survival forest (RSF) were utilized to investigate serum carotenoid mixture on mortality and identify key carotenoids. “Qgcompint” R package was used to explore the modifying effects of medication use.

RESULTS: The serum carotenoid levels at baseline ranged from 0.04 to 1.37 µmol/L. During a follow-up of 15.1 years, there were 696 deaths (27.61%), with 247 (35.49%) by cardiovascular disease (CVD), 148 (21.26%) by cancer, and 301 (43.25%) by other diseases. Individual and combined serum carotenoids were negatively associated with all-cause mortality (HR range:0.70-0.88, 95%CI range:0.56-0.99, all P < 0.05). α-carotene (VIMP = 0.223 in RSF) and lutein/zeaxanthin (PIP = 1.000 in BKMR) emerged as the greatest contributors to all-cause mortality. Lipid-lowering drugs attenuate the negative effect of serum carotenoids on MetS patients’ mortality (P_int = 0.014).

CONCLUSION: The present study identified a protective effect of serum carotenoid on mortality in MetS patients, which was probably weakened by lipid-lowering drugs. Early dietary interventions for MetS patients taking lipid-lowering drugs, particularly those rich in carotenoids like α-carotene and lutein/zeaxanthin, could help reduce mortality.

PMID:39972496 | DOI:10.1186/s12937-025-01092-x

Diabetes Obes Metab. 2025 Feb 19. doi: 10.1111/dom.16257. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Type 2 diabetes is associated with excess hospital admissions and increased mortality. Structured diabetes self-management education (DSME) is recommended internationally and is associated with improved self-management skills, well-being and minor improvements in glycated haemoglobin (HBA1c), but does it reduce hospital admissions or prevent premature mortality? Our aim is to examine the relationship between DSME attendance, hospitalisations, mortality and 3-point major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in people with type 2 diabetes to inform future healthcare policy and diabetes care.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This protocol details a 10-year retrospective open cohort study of patients aged over 18 years old who have a clinical diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and were registered to an English GP practice from 29 March 2011 to 29 March 2021 and have attended DSME. Patients in the ‘ever’ cohort will be matched at baseline for age, sex, age at diagnosis and diabetes duration, to those who have ‘never’ attended DSME. Data will be identified via the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink and linked to Hospital Episode Statistics Admitted Patient Care data, Office for National Statistics death registrations and patient Index of Multiple Deprivation deciles. Patients will be followed-up through serial cross-sections. Multiple imputation will be considered to manage covariates where data are >12-months from baseline or are not expected to be missing at random. Cox proportional hazard regression and time to event modelling adjusted a priori for cofounding during multivariate analysis will be used.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study was approved by CPRD (24_003744). Study findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and international conferences.

PMID:39972494 | DOI:10.1111/dom.16257

Virol J. 2025 Feb 19;22(1):42. doi: 10.1186/s12985-025-02630-z.

ABSTRACT

Encephalitis, a severe brain inflammation, can arise due to various infectious agents, including viruses like Parvovirus B19 (B19V). Previously linked to mild neonatal and young one’s illnesses and some haematological diseases, recent evidence associates B19V with encephalitis, with no clear prevalence and mechanisms in place. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to determine the prevalence of B19V in cases of encephalitis, exploring variations associated with diagnostic approaches, and identifying gaps in existing research to enhance clinical comprehension and diagnostic methods. An extensive search (1994-2024) was performed through PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane databases for research and epidemiological investigations related to B19V in cases of encephalitis. Inclusion criteria focused on studies that verified B19V using molecular (PCR, NGS) or serological (IgM/IgG) techniques in cerebrospinal fluid or serum. Data analysis was done to pool the prevalence data of included studies using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was evaluated using I² statistics. Sensitivity and meta-regression analyses were conducted to evaluate variability and the effects of moderators. A total of fourteen studies involving 3,135 encephalitis patients resulted in a combined prevalence of 3% (95% CI: 2-4%). Studies using PCR indicated a greater prevalence (3%) in comparison to ELISA (1%) and NGS (2%). A moderate level of heterogeneity (I² = 57.4%) was attributed to the variability in diagnostic methods and geographic distribution. Sensitivity analyses validated strong estimates, while meta-regression revealed country as a key moderator accounting for heterogeneity. Publication bias was modest. The research indicates that B19V may be involved in certain encephalitis instances, with an overall prevalence of 3%. The differences observed in the studies emphasize the need for standardized diagnostic procedures and more extensive multicentric epidemiological research.

PMID:39972487 | DOI:10.1186/s12985-025-02630-z

Int J Equity Health. 2025 Feb 19;24(1):49. doi: 10.1186/s12939-025-02403-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The increasing use of anxiolytics, hypnotics, and sedatives (AHS) among adolescents is a growing public health concern. Social determinants such as gender or socioeconomic status have a significant influence on consumption levels. However, whether trends in adolescent AHS use show socioeconomic and gender disparities is unknown. The aim of this study is to examine the trends in gender and socioeconomic inequalities in secondary school students’ AHS use in Spain from 2010 to 2021.

METHODS: A repeated cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the Survey on Drug Use in Secondary Education in Spain (n = 192,656), targeting students aged 14-18 years during 2010-2021. Gender-specific prevalences of AHS use were calculated according to the educational and occupational status of the mother, the father, and both parents. Chi-squared tests assessed statistical significance of the observed social gradients. The Relative Index of Inequality (RII) and Slope Index of Inequality (SII) with 95% confidence intervals were used to measure inequality magnitudes. Consumption trends were examined through prevalence ratios (PR) derived from age-adjusted robust variance Poisson models.

RESULTS: Statistically significant social inequalities in AHS use were identified among girls, which increased over time. These inequalities were particularly pronounced when considering maternal educational level (e.g. 2021: 21.5% vs. 16.3%; RII₂₀₂₁ = 1.37 [1.16-1.62]) and paternal occupational status (e.g. 2021: 23.2% vs. 16.5%). Trends showed a significant increase among all groups in both male and female students (e.g. both parents with primary education: PR₂₀₂₁ = 1.74 [1.23-2.47] and PR₂₀₂₁ = 1.83 [1.49-2.25], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the necessity for developing equity-focused public health policies addressing adolescent AHS use, especially among disadvantaged female students. Further research is needed to explore the social determinants of adolescent AHS use, considering inequalities from an intersectional perspective.

PMID:39972485 | DOI:10.1186/s12939-025-02403-8

Radiat Oncol. 2025 Feb 19;20(1):24. doi: 10.1186/s13014-025-02601-2.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the effect of target volumes for radiotherapy and dose on the prognosis of high-grade glioma (HGG) patients when the tumor involves the subventricular zone (SVZ), and to provide a reference for postoperative target volume delineation in HGG patients with SVZ involvement.

METHODS: The clinical and pathological data were collected from 50 HGG patients with SVZ involvement were collected in the Department of Neurosurgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University during the period from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2020. The average dose (Dmean) of the whole ipsilateral and contralateral SVZs as well as the V45Gy and V60Gy of the whole ipsilateral SVZs of the tumor were derived from the dose-volume histograms (DVH). The Kaplan-Meier analysis was applied to compare the survival differences between groups under different factors. The Cox proportional risk regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The correlation between the size of the ipsilateral SVZ target area range and the progression pattern was tested by chi-square test.

RESULTS: Univariate analysis revealed that the potential predictors of PFS of HGG patients with tumor involvement in SVZ were as follows: multiple lesions, tumor size > 3.5 cm and total resection; the potential predictors of OS were multiple lesions, surgical approaches to the lateral ventricles and the dose of contralateral SVZ > 37.33 Gy. Multibariate analysis showed that tumor size > 3.5 cm and total resection were the independent prognostic factors of PFS; multiple lesions was the independent prognostic factors of OS. The Kaplan-Meier method showed that the median PFS and OS of HGG patients with V60Gy ≥ 50% was higher than that of patients with V60Gy < 50% but the difference was not statistically significant. Subgroup analysis showed that patients with V60Gy ≥ 50% had significantly higher PFS in the age < 60 years subgroup (P = 0.006), WHO IV grade (P = 0.006), and surgical penetration of the lateral ventricle subgroup (P = 0.034) than in the V60Gy < 50%. Patients with V60Gy ≥ 50% had significantly higher OS in the WHO IV grade subgroup (P = 0.035), surgically penetrated lateral ventricle subgroup (P = 0.008), IDH1 wild-type subgroup (P = 0.012), and MGMT unmethylated subgroup (P = 0.047) than in V60Gy < 50%. A volume of ≥ 50% of the ipsilateral SVZ receiving a 60 Gy irradiation dose improves local control and reduces the risk of local recurrence in patients with SVZ involvement in HGG.

CONCLUSIONS: For SVZ-involved HGG patients, the whole ipsilateral SVZ receiving 60 Gy irradiation dose in ≥ 50% of the volume prolonged PFS in those with age < 60 years, WHO IV grade and surgically penetrating lateral ventricles and prolonged OS in those with WHO IV grade, surgically penetrating lateral ventricles, IDH1 wild-type and MGMT unmethylated.

PMID:39972483 | DOI:10.1186/s13014-025-02601-2

BMC Nurs. 2025 Feb 19;24(1):192. doi: 10.1186/s12912-025-02685-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Second victim experiences of nurses are a critical issue in healthcare. In addition to causing psychological and emotional distress to nurses, second victim experiences can adversely affect organizational performance and overall patient safety.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine effects of perceived just culture of medical institutions on second victim experiences of nurses after patient safety incidents.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional correlational study. Data were collected from 183 clinical nurses in tertiary general hospitals between December 28, 2022 and January 14, 2023 using an online self-report questionnaire. The questionnaire included items from Just Culture Assessment Tool (JCAT) and Korea-Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (K-SVEST). A hypothetical model was established and tested. Data were analyzed using SPSS WIN 23.0 and AMOS 23.0 programs.

RESULTS: The hypothesized model was found to be statistically fit (normed χ² /df = 2.53; root mean square error of approximation = 0.09; comparative fit index = 0.99; Tucker-Lewis index = 0.97; normed fit index = 0.99). Eight hypothesized pathways were tested, of which five direct effect pathways and three indirect effect pathways were statistically significant. Just culture had a significant effect on second victim distress (β = -0.29, p = 0.001) and demand for support (β = -0.65, p = 0.001). Second victim distress had a significant effect on demand for support (β = 0.14, p = 0.025) and negative work-related outcomes (β = 0.66, p = 0.001). Demand for support had a significant effect on negative work-related outcomes (β = 0.18, p = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that a just culture in medical institutions could ameliorate second victim experiences of nurses involved in patient safety incidents. Implementing systemic interventions is a key imperative to establish a just culture in medical institutions, mitigate second victim experiences, and improve organizational performance.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

PMID:39972453 | DOI:10.1186/s12912-025-02685-x

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2025 Feb 19;25(1):185. doi: 10.1186/s12884-024-07026-5.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Short inter-birth intervals negatively impact maternal and child health; however, data on their prevalence and associated factors in Tanzania are limited. This study investigates the prevalence of short inter-birth intervals and the associated factors among women of reproductive age in Tanzania.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study utilizing the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicator Survey dataset. The study population included women aged 15-49 years with at least two births within five years preceding the survey. A short inter-birth interval was defined as a birth occurring < 33 months after the preceding birth. A generalized linear model with Poisson as a link and robust standard errors was used to examine factors associated with short inter-birth intervals. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: A total of 8,350 births from 6,034 women were included in this analysis. The mean (± SD) age of the women was 31.6 ± 6.8 years. The overall prevalence of short inter-birth intervals was 42.6%. Younger age (aPR 3.12, 95% CI 2.88-3.52 for age 15-24 years, and aPR 1.74, 95% CI 1.62-1.1.86 for age 25-34 years), being married (aPR 1.27, 95% CI 1.03-1.57), late age at first childbirth (aPR 1.24, 95% CI 1.17-1.32) for a 20-24 years and aPR 1.55, 95% CI 1.39-1.73 for ≥ 25 years), and higher birth order (aPR 1.02, 95% CI 1.03-1.19; aPR 1.24, 95% CI 1.14-1.34; aPR 1.72, 95% CI 1.58-1.86 for 3rd, 4th, and 5th or more birth orders, respectively, compared to 2nd birth order) were independently associated with short inter-birth intervals. Additionally, there was significant variation in the prevalence of short inter-birth intervals across different zones and levels of household wealth. Women from richer (aPR 0.87, 95% CI: 0.80-0.95) and richest (aPR 0.84, 95% CI: 0.74-0.94) households exhibited a lower prevalence of short inter-birth intervals.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights the significant prevalence of short inter-birth intervals among women of reproductive age in Tanzania. The associated factors include younger age, marital status, delayed first childbirth, higher birth order, geographical disparities, and lower household wealth. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to promote birth spacing and improve maternal and child health outcomes.

PMID:39972442 | DOI:10.1186/s12884-024-07026-5

BMC Ophthalmol. 2025 Feb 19;25(1):81. doi: 10.1186/s12886-025-03919-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Digital eyestrain (DES) is a collection of ocular and vision symptoms caused by prolonged use of digital devices that can greatly impact schoolchildren’s daily activities and learning. The main purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of DES among schoolchildren and the associated risk factors in Palestine.

METHODS: From the 1st of April 2024 to the 30th of May 2024, a total of 492 school children who met the criteria for DES screening in the selected schools were included in the study. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was utilized with a self-structured questionnaire. The sample consisted of schoolchildren aged 11 to 18 years. The questionnaire is structured into three sections: (1) Sociodemographic information, (2) Information regarding the digital device used, and (3) DES assessment by using the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire, and the visual acuity was measured using the Snellen chart. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 25 with a 95% CI.

RESULTS: The study analysis showed that 44.1% of school children experience DES. Snellen chart test analysis showed that 28.25% of students had results exceeding a score of six for either the right or left eye. For both eyes combined, (14.63%) of students had examination results greater than six. After conducting univariate analysis, statistically significant risk factors (p-value less than 0.05) affecting the development of DES in our study were posture, smartphone use at bedtime, and duration of device use, watching movies, social networking, and screen brightness. Moreover, females, older students, and those using devices closer than 30 cm or owning multiple devices reported higher eyestrain scores.

CONCLUSIONS: The current research found that Palestinian school children significantly experience eyestrain, indicating the influence of digital devices on eye health. The study results emphasize the need for early detection to prevent future eye health complications.

PMID:39972437 | DOI:10.1186/s12886-025-03919-x

BMC Psychiatry. 2025 Feb 19;25(1):156. doi: 10.1186/s12888-025-06599-5.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Depression and anxiety are prevalent psychological disorders that significantly affect physical, emotional, and social well-being, reducing quality of life and increasing medical costs. These issues are especially challenging for cancer survivors, complicating treatment management, affecting adherence, and potentially impacting survival rates. Thus, this umbrella review aimed to evaluate the global prevalence of pain, depression, and anxiety, as well as their determinants among cancer patients.

METHOD: An exhaustive umbrella review was conducted to systematically assess the prevalence and determinants of pain, depression, and anxiety among cancer survivors worldwide by analyzing systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The review involved a thorough search of multiple databases and included studies published in English up to July 2024 that reported on these symptoms. The process involved screening and selecting studies based on specific criteria, assessing the risk of bias using the AMSTAR tool, and analyzing data with statistical methods to determine overall prevalence and identify predictors. This comprehensive approach aimed to provide a detailed understanding of these psychological issues in cancer survivors and guide future research and interventions.

RESULT: The global summary prevalence of depression among cancer survivors was 33.16% (95% CI 27.59-38.74), while anxiety had a prevalence of 30.55% (95% CI 24.04-37.06). Pain prevalence after treatment was 39.77% (95% CI 31.84-47.70). Before treatment, 65.22% (95% CI 62.86-67.57) of cancer patients reported pain, which persisted in 51.34% (95% CI 40.01-62.67) during treatment. The analysis also found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, depression and anxiety rates among cancer patients were at their highest, with prevalences of 43.25% (95% CI 41.25-45.26) and 52.93% (95% CI 50.91-54.96), respectively.

CONCLUSION: The umbrella review found that depression and anxiety prevalence among cancer survivors was 33.16% and 30.55%, respectively, with significantly higher rates during COVID-19 at 43.25% and 52.93%. Key factors contributing to depression included poor social support, advanced cancer stage, and inadequate sleep, while anxiety was significantly linked to advanced cancer stage and poor sleep quality.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

PMID:39972435 | DOI:10.1186/s12888-025-06599-5