Nevin Manimala

Pak J Pharm Sci. 2025 Nov-Dec;38(6):2292-2302. doi: 10.36721/PJPS.2025.38.6.REG.14034.1.

ABSTRACT

To compare synthetic and natural-source pulmonary surfactants (PS) for treating neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) in very low-birth-weight neonates. A total of 113 neonates with NRDS were retrospectively divided into the natural-source PS group (NSPS, 63 cases) and the synthetic PS group (SPS, 50 cases). Oxygenation, ventilation, complications, efficacy and mortality were compared. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 23.0 to analyze the impact of PS type on the treatment of NRDS in very low birth weight neonates (VLBWIs). Additionally, the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and the area under the curve (AUC) were calculated and evaluated to assess the association and closeness between PS type and the treatment of NRDS in VLBWIs. After treatment, NSPS group had higher arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂), lower arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂) and oxygenation index (OI). It also had shorter ventilation and hospital stay, lower pneumothorax, total-complication and mortality rates and higher effective rate. PS type correlated with complications and efficacy; the closeness (AUC) order was: clinical efficacy > complications. Natural-source PS in treating NRDS in very low-birth-weight neonates improves efficacy, optimizes blood gas, shortens treatment and reduces complications and mortality.

PMID:41241798 | DOI:10.36721/PJPS.2025.38.6.REG.14034.1

Pak J Pharm Sci. 2025 Nov-Dec;38(6):2271-2278. doi: 10.36721/PJPS.2025.38.6.REG.14594.1.

ABSTRACT

Tuberculosis, being an infectious disease, is unchecked and still hard to wipe out in the underdeveloped countries. Despite ongoing efforts, no new TB vaccine has been successfully developed in the past century beyond BCG, although DNA-based vaccines have shown promise over the last two decades. In this study, five Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific genes- Rv1908c/KatG, Rv3418c/GroES, Rv0934/PhoS1/PstS, Rv0440/GroEL2 and Rv0350/DnaK-were cloned into the pVAX1 expression vector to construct DNA vaccines. These constructs were evaluated in rats using naked DNA and BCG prime-boost strategies. Forty-five Wistar albino rats were divided into three major groups: DNA vaccine group, BCG prime-boost group and no vaccine control. Post-immunization responses were evaluated through cytokine ELISA for TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-6. Among DNA vaccines, DnaK-pVAX1 and GroES-pVAX1 elicited the strongest cytokine responses, followed by GroEL2-pVAX1 and PstS-pVAX1. The prime-boost groups (especially BCG + DnaK-pVAX1, BCG + GroES-pVAX1 and BCG + cocktail) showed further enhanced responses. Statistical analysis confirmed significant cytokine elevation in vaccinated groups compared to controls (p < 0.05). DNA vaccines, whether used alone or in combination with BCG, show strong potential as immunogenic and therapeutic tools for TB and may help reduce treatment duration in the future.

PMID:41241795 | DOI:10.36721/PJPS.2025.38.6.REG.14594.1

Pak J Pharm Sci. 2025 Nov-Dec;38(6):2264-2270. doi: 10.36721/PJPS.2025.38.6.REG.14009.1.

ABSTRACT

The therapeutic approach of combining doxycycline (DOX) with azithromycin (AZM) has emerged as an effective strategy for managing pediatric Mycoplasmal pneumonia (MP), with its clinical efficacy well-established. It is worth noting that both DOX and AZM are antibiotics and require an interval of 24-72 hours when used in combination, but there are few studies on the optimal interval between the two drugs. This study aimed to elucidate the differential outcomes of two treatment regimens. The short-term group received DOX in combination with AZM within 24-72 hours after AZM administration for MP treatment, while the long-term group initiated DOX therapy more than 72 hours after AZM treatment. Our findings indicated that there were no statistically significant differences in clinical efficacy and the impact on pediatric pulmonary function between the two groups (P>0.05). However, the time for symptom improvement in the short-term group was significantly shortened (P<0.05), while the long-term group exhibited lower inflammatory responses, stress responses and a reduced incidence of complications (P<0.05). In conclusion, initiating DOX within 72 hours after AZM treatment can expedite the treatment course of MP, while using DOX more than 72 hours after AZM treatment confers enhanced safety.

PMID:41241794 | DOI:10.36721/PJPS.2025.38.6.REG.14009.1

Cancer. 2025 Nov 15;131(22):e70174. doi: 10.1002/cncr.70174.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Although Black women have higher absolute quantitative breast density, they are often assigned lower subjectively determined Breast Imaging and Reporting Data System (BI-RADS) density scores than White women. Background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) on breast magnetic resonance imaging is independently linked to breast cancer risk and may improve risk stratification for Black and White women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate differences in quantitative BPE between Black and White women and determine whether breast cancer risk factors mediate these differences.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A cross-sectional study of 1202 women (200 Black, 1002 White; aged 40-74 years) with negative mammograms and no breast cancer history who underwent breast magnetic resonance imaging between 2016 and 2023 at an academic medical center.

EXPOSURES: Self-reported race (Black vs. White).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was automated, quantitative BPE (median BPE and BPE ratio). Covariates included BI-RADS density, fibroglandular tissue volume, qualitative BPE, age, body mass index, and menopausal status.

RESULTS: Fewer Black women were classified as having extremely dense breasts (10% vs. 21%; p < .01), yet similar proportions had high qualitative BPE (35% vs. 29%; p = .29). Quantitative BPE was significantly higher in Black women (median difference, 1.51; standard deviation, 9; 95% CI, 0.13-2.90), independent of covariates. No risk factors mediated this difference.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Despite lower BI-RADS density in Black women, as suggested by prior literature, higher quantitative BPE was found, suggesting that BPE captures aspects of breast tissue composition not reflected by density. Future studies can incorporate BPE into risk models, which can improve performance and reduce disparities in risk prediction.

PMID:41241787 | DOI:10.1002/cncr.70174

J Econ Entomol. 2025 Nov 16:toaf312. doi: 10.1093/jee/toaf312. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Helicoverpa zea (Bodie) is a widespread damaging pest in the US that has evolved varying levels of resistance to Cry toxins in corn and cotton. To delay resistance evolution to this pest and others targeted by Bt corn, growers in the southern United States are required to plant at least 20% of their corn area with non-Bt corn. However, growers are reluctant to do this. Multiple small-plot research studies show timely planted non-Bt and Bt corn hybrids yield equally; however, growers often think non-Bt hybrids yield less than Bt hybrids. In response, we compared non-Bt and Bt hybrids using grower-owned planting and harvesting equipment. Growers planted 5 corn hybrids as strip plots (Bt-P1197YHR, DKC65-99, non-Bt-P1197LR, DKC67-70, and DKC65-93) in 2022 at 27 locations and 4 hybrids (excluding DKC65-93) in 2023 at 28 locations throughout North Carolina. When corn reached dent (R5), we measured the area of H. zea injury from each hybrid at each location. We calculated yield and economic net returns at harvest. We separated analyses for Bt trait pyramid and hybrid for both feeding and yield. H. zea feeding was at moderate levels, following predictable patterns. There were no significant differences between Bt and non-Bt hybrids within the 2 companies we compared (Pioneer [P] and Bayer [DKC]) across both years. In general, farm profitability is not statistically different when planting a 20% non-Bt refuge compared to planting 100% Bt corn. Factors other than typical H. zea feeding are more impactful on yield in North Carolina.

PMID:41241782 | DOI:10.1093/jee/toaf312

J Econ Entomol. 2025 Nov 16:toaf278. doi: 10.1093/jee/toaf278. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The biological control for fruit flies in Brazil has been extended with the introduction of the parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead, 1905) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and native parasitoids, such as Doryctobracon brasiliensis (Szepligeti, 1911) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), which show great potential for control. Among the main pest species of fruit flies, Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Tephritidae) and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Tephritidae) have a wide geographic distribution in the South American continent. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the functional response of D. brasiliensis to the density of A. fraterculus larvae and to model the parasitism rates of D. longicaudata and D. brasiliensis on A. fraterculus and that of D. longicaudata when exposed to C. capitata. The experiments were conducted to evaluate the parasitism rate, and the data were subjected to statistical analysis, verifying the probability distribution. The parasitism rate of D. brasiliensis ranged from 82.2% to 35% when 5 and 30 larvae were offered to each female, respectively. The results revealed a type II functional response, indicating that the parasitism rate reached a saturation point as the larval density increased. In A. fraterculus, the average number of larvae parasitized by D. longicaudata females was higher than that of C. capitata at nearly all host densities. The highest percentage of parasitism (55%) was observed at the density of 3 larvae per parasitoid, similar to what was recorded for C. capitata. The results obtained support the biological control program for fruit flies in Brazil, optimizing laboratory rearing and field release.

PMID:41241778 | DOI:10.1093/jee/toaf278

Med Educ Online. 2025 Dec 31;30(1):2585634. doi: 10.1080/10872981.2025.2585634. Epub 2025 Nov 15.

ABSTRACT

The overturning of Roe v. Wade in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022) has led to varying abortion laws across states in the U.S., potentially influencing medical education choices. While some research has examined abortion policy changes and medical residencies and fellowship decisions, none has investigated abortion policy and medical school decisions. This study aims to determine whether pre-medical students’ personal views on abortion influence their willingness to attend medical schools in states where abortion is illegal at all stages EXCEPT to save the life of the mother. A cross-sectional survey was distributed to pre-medical organizations at the two largest four-year institutions in each U.S. state and the District of Columbia, except Wyoming, which has only one four-year institution. The survey collected demographic data, political affiliation, intended medical specialty, and personal stance on abortion. Participants indicated their willingness to attend medical school in states with different types of abortion policies. There were 182 completed surveys from participants in 20 different states. Analysis showed that students who believed abortion is acceptable and should be legal at all stages were significantly less willing to attend medical school in states where abortion is illegal EXCEPT to save the life of the mother. Abortion policy may influence medical school decisions among pre-medical students, which may have long-term implications for physician distribution, particularly in states with restrictive abortion laws. Future research should explore how these trends impact healthcare workforce shortages and access to reproductive care.

PMID:41241769 | DOI:10.1080/10872981.2025.2585634

J Prosthodont. 2025 Nov 15. doi: 10.1111/jopr.70057. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This systematic review evaluated the effects of simulated gastric acid (SGA) on surface and mechanical properties of dental ceramics to answer the research question: Does immersion in SGA alter the surface roughness, microhardness, fracture strength, and color of dental ceramics?

METHODS: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Open Gray, and Google Scholar, in February 2025. Independent reviewers selected and analyzed in vitro studies assessing one or more outcomes-roughness, microhardness, fracture strength, or color-after acid exposure. Data were extracted independently, and risk of bias was assessed using the RoBDEMAT tool.

RESULTS: Out of 2,111 studies, 22 were included. Ceramics analyzed were lithium disilicate (n = 15), polymer-infiltrated feldspathic (n = 11), zirconia (n = 11), feldspathic (n = 8), zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (n = 7), and leucite-reinforced (n = 4). Surface roughness changes were material-dependent, with feldspathic ceramics most affected and zirconia most stable. Microhardness generally decreased across ceramics. Fracture strength remained mostly unchanged, except for occasional reductions. Polymer-infiltrated ceramics and zirconia showed the greatest color stability. Specimen shapes and dimensions varied across studies, reflecting differences in study aims and testing protocols. Most studies showed appropriate outcome reporting, statistical analysis, and test standardization (>90%). However, operator blinding, when applicable, was not reported in any of the included studies. Randomization (> 87%) and sample size calculation (50%) were also frequently missing.

CONCLUSION: Surface, mechanical, and optical properties of ceramics were affected by acid exposure, varying by material. Zirconia and polymer-infiltrated ceramics show greater stability. Methodological heterogeneity limits conclusions, underscoring the need for standardized protocols and clinical validation.

PMID:41241767 | DOI:10.1111/jopr.70057

Clin Transl Sci. 2025 Nov;18(11):e70406. doi: 10.1111/cts.70406.

ABSTRACT

The All of Us research program, a national longitudinal study conducted by the US National Institutes of Health, provides robust medical history, drug dosage and genomic data from a diverse population. All of Us offers an opportunity to discover novel correlations between drug dosage and genetic variation. However, first it is necessary to evaluate the quality and quantity of the data and its ability to replicate known associations. In this paper, we investigate whether known drug-gene interactions can be recovered from the All of Us dataset, based on data from electronic health records. Focusing on the Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme family, which metabolizes approximately 90% of clinically available drugs, we evaluate 61 drugs metabolized by the enzymes. We then identify significant differences in drug dosages across CYP450 metabolizer phenotypes. Our results validate some known interactors of CYP2D6, CYP2C19, CYP2C9, and CYP3A5. However, we did not recover all validated PGx interactions, potentially due to noise, lack of doctors adjusting drug dosage or phenoconversion. Nevertheless, our findings highlight the potential of the All of Us dataset, which captures some known pharmacogenomic interactions.

PMID:41241757 | DOI:10.1111/cts.70406

BMC Cancer. 2025 Nov 15;25(1):1771. doi: 10.1186/s12885-025-15239-w.

ABSTRACT

It has been observed that lung cancer patients are more susceptible to COVID-19. Establishing the causal relationships between lung cancer and COVID-19 susceptibility and severity is challenging due to numerous confounding factors. Mendelian randomization (MR) is an effective method to investigate the causal association between exposure and outcome variables. However, different studies have yielded conflicting conclusions regarding the role of lung cancer in COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. Lung cancer subtypes exhibit heterogeneity in genetic susceptibility, which may influence the assessment of the true relationship between lung cancer and COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. In this study, we utilized the most recent COVID-19 association data from The COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative with more than two million samples in total, in combination with genetic data of different lung cancer subtypes with more than eighty-five thousand samples, and conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization study. We examined the associations between lung cancer and its four subtypes with COVID-19 susceptibility, hospitalization, and severity. Our data indicates that lung cancer, overall, does not have a causal association with COVID-19 susceptibility, hospitalization, or severity. However, lung cancer in ever smokers is nominally associated with COVID-19 hospitalization p-value 0.035, false discover rate (FDR) [Formula: see text] and increased severity [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. Additionally, small cell lung carcinoma is associated with increased COVID-19 severity [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text].

PMID:41241754 | DOI:10.1186/s12885-025-15239-w