Nevin Manimala

Sci Rep. 2025 Oct 13;15(1):35622. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-19488-4.

ABSTRACT

The landscape of academic publishing has evolved dramatically, leading to a surge in publications and journals. The ‘publish or perish’ culture has resulted in undesirable practices, such as many researchers publishing in predatory journals due to institutional pressures and lack of awareness. While numerous studies have investigated knowledge of predatory journals, overall research literacy has remained underexplored. This study is the first to assess research literacy comprehensively, incorporating GIS and machine learning techniques alongside traditional statistical analyses. This study utilized a cross-sectional survey method with a questionnaire collecting information on socio-demographics, academic information, research training and experience, and research literacy. Traditional statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, while machine learning models were developed with Python and Google Colab. Supervised classification algorithms and mapping with R statistical software’s ‘bangladesh’ package. The findings revealed that over half of the participants had poor research literacy. Significant predictors of higher research literacy included satisfaction with research courses at university education, research course taken outside university , and research-related professional engagement. Machine learning analysis identified that taking research courses outside of university was the most impactful factor for research literacy, while researchers within family members had minimal influence. The Random Forest and CatBoost models performed strongly in predicting literacy, achieving accuracy rates of 73.04% and 71.57%, respectively, and precision values of 73.29% and 71.69%, respectively, with low log loss values of 0.57 and 0.56. GIS-based spatial analyses revealed regional disparities in research literacy (χ²=9.234, p = 0.236), with certain divisions exhibiting a higher prevalence of lower literacy. This study highlights that a substantial portion of the participants lack research literacy, which is associated with multiple factors. The findings suggest the need for intervention programs to enhance research practices and awareness among students and professionals, fostering a culture of academic excellence.

PMID:41083527 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-19488-4

Sci Rep. 2025 Oct 13;15(1):35627. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-19630-2.

ABSTRACT

Understanding clinical outcomes following tympanoplasty is essential for effectively counseling patients and providing a comprehensive perspective on its benefits and limitations. To evaluate the effects of tympanoplasty on ear-related clinical symptoms, hearing function, health-related quality of life (HRQol), and symptoms of depression and anxiety. A randomized, non-blinded clinical trial was conducted. Patients scheduled for tympanoplasty were compared with a control group of individuals on the surgical waiting list. A single academic tertiary care center. The study included 111 participants (41 males [36.94%], 70 females [63.06%]; mean age = 34.41 ± 12.78 years) with dry tympanic membrane perforations. Among them, 63 underwent tympanoplasty, with success and failure rates of 33:18 (64.71%: 35.29%) at 3 months, and 22:16 (57.89%: 42.11%) at 6 months. The remaining 48 served as controls, with 43 (89.58%) followed up at 3 months. Tympanoplasty was evaluated at three time points-preoperatively (T0), and postoperatively at 3 months (T3) and 6 months (T6). Primary outcomes included scores from the Arabic version of the Ear Outcome Survey-16 (EOS-16) and the Arabic Version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), assessed at T0, T3, and T6. For successful tympanoplasty: the Overall_Q1-14 score ((30.41 ± 12.09), (15.36 ± 6.97) and (15.55 ± 6.88), n = 22, p < 0.001), for failed tympanoplasty: the Overall_Q1-14 score ((25.69 ± 11.84), (21.94 ± 9.81) and (21.31 ± 11.85), n = 16, p = 0.3) and for controls: the Overall_Q1-14 score ((27.02 ± 12.88) and (26.49 ± 13.26), n = 43, p = 0.59). Almost all distinct items showed statistical significance p < 0.05 after successful tympanoplasty against none after failure tympanoplasty while controls remained unchanged. Multiple linear regression equation of depression score (T3-T0) in successful tympanoplasty “Y_depression = (2.44 + 0.162x_Overall + 0.156x_AC) + Ɛ_depression“. Successful tympanoplasty significantly improved ear symptoms, hearing function, psychosocial well-being, and overall health-related quality of life. Although it had no immediate or direct effect on depression or anxiety, improvements in hearing and quality of life were predictive of reductions in depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the broader psychosocial benefits of tympanoplasty and support its role in holistic patient care.Trial registration This study was registered with ANZCTR (ACTRN12625000436471) on 09/05/2025.

PMID:41083521 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-19630-2

Sci Rep. 2025 Oct 13;15(1):35677. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-19554-x.

ABSTRACT

In stratified random sampling, precise variance estimation is essential especially when supplementary information is provided. This article presents an innovative Tailored Ratio-Integrated Variance Estimation employing Neyman Allocation Implementation (TRIVENI), which effectively combines ratio-based modifications to improve variance estimation. Despite traditional methods, TRIVENI leverages two auxiliary variables in multiple ways to measure the combined effect on population variance estimations. Applying Neyman allocation, it effectively distributes the sample among strata, ensuring minimal variance and improved precision. The combined use of ratio estimation promotes the application of auxiliary information, hence reducing estimate bias and enhancing accuracy. Theoretical derivations and simulation studies confirm that TRIVENI surpasses traditional estimators, demonstrating improved efficiency in various stratification contexts. The proposed methodology signifies a significant advancement in stratified variance estimation, rendering it a crucial instrument for survey sampling experts and researchers.

PMID:41083518 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-19554-x

Sci Rep. 2025 Oct 13;15(1):35613. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-18923-w.

ABSTRACT

Injury and violence is a global public health concern, implicated in 4.4 million deaths annually. The most common cause of preventable death is haemorrhage in the out-of-hospital setting. Haemorrhagic shock patients are at risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation, global myocardial ischemia, and death. This risk is heightened among the young, older adults, or polytraumatised. The definitive standard of care is to stop the bleeding and to replace the lost haemoglobin whilst supplementing oxygen. There is paucity in emergency blood transfusion research in the out-of-hospital setting. It is not out-of-hospital standardised practice. This novel research conducted in Western Cape, South Africa, determined the viability of blood in transit by evaluating haemolysis and oxidative stress in Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBC) on public ambulances. A relatively new statistical method (generalised additive model with smooth term) was used to model non-linearity in the haemolysis trend. In a designed experiment, the viability of blood was determined by placing PRBC in temperature-controlled refrigerators at ambulance bases (maintained at 1-6 °C) as a ‘Control’. The ‘Treatment’ PRBC were transported in cooler-boxes with 2 eutectics (icepacks). The cold-chain was monitored against the recommended transportation temperature range of 1-10˚C. The PRBC was assessed weekly for haemolysis and at the end of the study for lipid peroxidation, both threats to PRBC viability following environmental exposure (to transit temperatures and movement). The PRBC placed on ambulances indicated that they were < 0.8% haemolysis threshold after day 35. Three packs in the treatment group were > 0.8% on day 42, along with one in the control group (which was deemed an outlier). Transported PRBC remained between 1-10˚C for the most part. Conjugated dienes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances showed no statistically significant changes and aligned with colorimetric assessment. The blood viability on ambulances remained within the acceptable ≤ 0.8% haemolysis level until the PRBC expiry, on day 42. PRBC remained within the transportation temperature reference range for South Africa and no significant oxidative stress or cellular degradation was documented. This evidence supports PRBC viability when transported in ambulances conditional to the use of eutectics in closed cooler boxes and has relevance in low- and middle-income countries or in humanitarian contexts.

PMID:41083514 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-18923-w

Sci Rep. 2025 Oct 13;15(1):35684. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-19507-4.

ABSTRACT

Malaria and soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) infections continue to be public health burden in Cameroon. This study investigates the prevalence, severity and impact of Malaria and soil-transmitted helminth infections on haemoglobin levels among armed forces in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon. This cross-sectional study enrolled 812 male participants in the military camps of the North West and South West regions of Cameroon. Questionnaire survey was used to document participants demographic and clinical data. Venous blood was collected and used for testing malaria parasitaemia by microscopy as well as measurement of haemoglobin (Hb) levels using an Hb metre. Also, the direct smear method and Kato-Katz technique were used to detect intestinal parasites amongst the participants. The study identified two Plasmodium species, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, with an overall prevalence of 13.6%. Equally, Loa loa microfilaria was identified during the study with a prevalence of 0.2% (2/812). Five intestinal helminthic species were also identified, including Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, hookworms, Schistosoma mansoni, and Schistosoma intercalatum. Two intestinal protozoan species, Entamoebacoli and Entamoeba histolytica were recorded. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 22.8%. Plasmodium falciparum was the most prevalent parasite with 86.6% of infected participants having mild malaria. The parasitic density was significant across age groups. Malaria parasites, Trichuris trichiura and Schistosoma mansoni significantly affected the mean Hb concentration level. Malaria and intestinal helminths remain public health issues in Cameroon, affecting haemoglobin levels. Asymptomatic malaria and intestinal helminthic carriers are transmission agents, necessitating government consideration to eradicate or limit transmission rates.

PMID:41083508 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-19507-4

Sci Rep. 2025 Oct 13;15(1):35641. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-19464-y.

ABSTRACT

Portal hypertension (PHT) is pivotal in managing decompensated cirrhosis. In clinical practice, hepatic venous collaterals are frequently present, often leading to failure or reduced accuracy of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurements, thereby making HVPG an imperfect surrogate for the portal pressure gradient (PPG). Artificial neural networks (ANNs) have shown potential in integrating multidimensional clinical variables and predicting complex disease states; however, their value in the assessment of PHT remains insufficiently validated. The study compared ANN-predicted PPG with measured PPG and HVPG in two cohorts: Group A (all patients), reflecting routine clinical practice, and Group B (excluding cases with coefficient of variation (CV) > 30%, most with venous collaterals), approximating optimized conditions. Subgroup analyses in Group B further assessed differences by etiology and Child-Pugh class. We retrospectively included 164 patients with decompensated cirrhosis who underwent TIPS between June 2014 and July 2024, with intra-procedural HVPG and PPG measurements. An ANN model predicted PPG based on INR, WBC, and portal vein diameter. Group A included all patients (n = 164), reflecting real-world conditions where HVPG may be affected by collaterals. Group B represented a strict quality-control cohort (n = 101), in which cases with a measurement CV > 30% were excluded; retrospective review indicated that most of these excluded patients exhibited hepatic venous collaterals thereby approximating an “ideal condition” without the influence of collaterals. Statistical analyses included paired t tests, Pearson correlations, Steiger’s Z-tests, and Bland-Altman analysis. Subgroup analyses were conducted by etiology and Child-Pugh class. In the overall cohort (Group A, n = 164), HVPG showed negligible correlation with PPG (r = 0.014), whereas ANN-predicted PPG demonstrated moderate correlation (r = 0.437, P < 0.001) with significantly narrower LoA. In the quality-controlled cohort (Group B, n = 101), both HVPG and ANN-predicted PPG correlated moderately with PPG (r = 0.457 vs. 0.476) with comparable agreement. Subgroup analyses indicated that ANN outperformed HVPG in hepatitis B and Child-Pugh C patients, while HVPG was slightly better in alcohol-related cirrhosis; both methods performed poorly in autoimmune liver disease. HVPG remains the gold standard for assessing portal pressure but is limited by hepatic venous collaterals, advanced liver dysfunction, and the need for invasive measurement. ANN-predicted PPG showed favorable correlation and agreement with measured PPG, providing a noninvasive, simple, and reproducible complement to HVPG for clinical assessment and follow-up.

PMID:41083502 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-19464-y

Med Glas (Zenica). 2025 Aug 25;22(2):339-343. doi: 10.17392/1922-22-02.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: &nbsp; The objective of this study was to assess the benefits of utilizing a silicone ring tourniquet in relation to traditional pneumatic cuff tourniquets and scenarios without any tourniquet intervention. The tested hypothesis was that the clinical results could be increased after use of the silicone ring tourniquet.

METHODS: &nbsp;The study was monocentric and retrospective evaluation of collected data. Inclusion criterion was open reduction and internal fixation of a displaced distal radius fracture in pediatric population (6-12 years). The pneumatic tourniquet (PT) group involved 18 patients, the no tourniquet (NT) 19 patients and the silicon ring (SR) group 19 patients. All patients were followed for 6 months. Primary criterion was the VAS score at 1 day and 7 days postop. &nbsp;Secondary criteria were delay of discharge, time of surgery and occurrence of complications.

RESULTS: &nbsp;The VAS score in the first and seven day postop was respectively 3.8 &plusmn;1 and 2.0 &plusmn; 0.5 for the PT group, 3.5 &plusmn; 0.5 and 1.8 &plusmn; 0.2 for the NT group and 3.2 &plusmn; 0.8 and 1.8 &plusmn; 0.4 for the SR group without statistically significant differences (p&gt;0.1). There was a non-significant higher rate of complication PT group, especially for skin complications and a higher time of surgery in the NT group.

CONCLUSIONS: &nbsp;The proposed hypothesis was not validated, as there were no notable changes observed in the clinical outcomes. Additionally, the analysis of complications revealed no evidence of bias. However, the reduced incidence of skin complications may indicate a beneficial effect associated with the silicone ring tourniquet.

PMID:41082764 | DOI:10.17392/1922-22-02

Med Glas (Zenica). 2025 Aug 25;22(2):315-319. doi: 10.17392/1998-22-02.

ABSTRACT

Aim To assess Qualitiy of life (QoL) in adults by comparing two groups, the one with diagnosed hearing loss (HL) and the other without hearing complaints. Methods This cross-sectional study included 110 consecutive voluntary adult&nbsp; patients divided in two groups: patients with hearing loss and control group. All participants , after examination , answered to a questionnaires on sociodemographic, clinical data and the World health Organization Quality of Life- Short version (WHOQOL-BREF). Results: Among 110 adults&nbsp; participants, 59 &nbsp;were with hearing loss (hearing loss group &ndash; HLG) and 19 &nbsp;in hearing loss&nbsp; with hearing aid group (HLHAG) and 51 in control group.&nbsp; Consistently&nbsp; higher score&nbsp; in the domains of physical health (p=0.036) and psychological health (p=0.024) in control group was found; other domains did not reach statistical significance Significant differences between the HLHAG and control group in physical health (mean difference = -11.3; p=0.036) and psychological health (mean difference = -11.3; p=0.029) was confirmed. Conculsion Hearing loss could decrease QoL. Therefore, it is very important to recognize hearing impairment in a timely manner and to take a serious approach to treatment.

PMID:41082760 | DOI:10.17392/1998-22-02

Med Glas (Zenica). 2025 Aug 25;22(2):304-310. doi: 10.17392/1906-22-02.

ABSTRACT

Introduction Children receiving regular kidney replacement therapy frequently encounter a state of heightened inflammation, which is evident through symptoms like loss of appetite and elevated levels of &beta;-2 microglobulin (B2M) in their bloodstream. This loss of appetite leads to a reduction in muscle mass, which, on a biochemical level, can result in diminished cardiac function in these patients.

AIM: This research aimed to assess the reduction of inflammation by examining ferritin and B2M serum levels in children with ESKD who are receiving a combination of hemodialysis and hemoperfusion (HDHP).

METHODS: This research was a retrospective cohort study that utilized data from medical records, focusing on children with CKD who received hemodialysis between January 2020 and December 2022. Pediatric patients undergoing hemodialysis routinely have their nutritional status and appetite assessed. If a patient exhibits reduced food intake and appetite, a B2M serum test is warranted. An elevated B2M level in patients indicates the need for hemodialysis-hemoperfusion (HDHP). Prior to each procedure, including HDHP and blood sampling, informed consent was obtained from both the patients and their legal guardians.

RESULTS: HDHP significantly reduces urea, ferritin, and B2M levels in children with ESKD, their decrease are statistically significant with p-value &lt; 0.001. There was a weak positive correlation between ferritin and B2M levels, with a correlation coefficient of 0.195 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.003&ndash;1.000) and p = 0.043. This finding suggests that increased ferritin levels are associated with significantly increased B2M levels.

CONCLUSION: HDHP leads to a significant reduction in urea, ferritin, and B2M levels in children with ESKD, with these decreases being statistically significant, as indicated by a p-value of less than 0.001. A weak positive correlation was observed between ferritin and B2M levels, with a correlation coefficient of 0.195 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.003&ndash;1.000) and a p-value of 0.043. This result implies that higher ferritin levels are linked to a notable increase in B2M levels.

PMID:41082758 | DOI:10.17392/1906-22-02

Med Glas (Zenica). 2025 Aug 25;22(2):278-282. doi: 10.17392/1996-22-02.

ABSTRACT

AimAcute respiratory infections caused by viral pathogens are the most common reason for hospitalization of children. Annually, 150 million infants worldwide are diagnosed with bronchiolitis, and 2-3% of them are hospitalized. This study aimed to compare bronchiolitis severity before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Pulmonology, Paediatric Clinic, Clinical Centre University of Tuzla, covering the period from November 1st, 2018, to April th 30, 2019 (pre-COVID period) and November 1st, 2023, to April 30th, 2024 (post-COVID period). A total 129 children under the age of 2 years were involved. Results No significant differences in the age, body mass, comorbidities, duration of hospitalization, use of oxygen therapy, and mechanical ventilation was found. There was a significant reduction in antibiotic in the post-COVID group (p=0.0173), and a significant increase in the use of aminophylline and inhalation therapy drugs in the post-COVID group. There was a significantly higher number of isolated respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases in the post-COVID group, 32 (42.7%). prevalence of fully vaccinated children was significantly higher in the pre-COVID period compared to the post-COVID period, &nbsp;34 (74.4%?) and &nbsp;29 (45.3%), respectively. Conclusion This study reveals a significant increase in the severity of bronchiolitis and an increase in RSV cases after the COVID-19 pandemic. Keywords: anti-bacterial agents,coinfection, oxygen inhalation therapy,respiratory syncytial virus infections, vaccination.

PMID:41082753 | DOI:10.17392/1996-22-02