Nevin Manimala

Int J Mycobacteriol. 2026 Jan 1;15(1):45-53. doi: 10.4103/ijmy.ijmy_217_25. Epub 2026 Mar 27.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the leading causes of death among children under the age of 5 years. In some resource-limited communities, contact tracing interventions are generally used to curb this problem. We aimed to assess the effect of contact tracing interventions on the management of pediatric TB in the Centre Region of Cameroon.

METHODS: The study was done in 14 diagnostic and treatment centers having a mixed urban-rural population with a high burden of TB. A mixed method including assessment of pediatric TB epidemiological trends, operational data from 2019 to 2024, coupled with healthcare worker perceptions of contact tracing.

RESULTS: Overall, 119 cases of TB were reported. After contact tracing, the number of TB cases rose to 34 in 2021 but dropped in the following years. Zero household investigations and no child under 5 years of age were recorded as TB contacts in 2019-2020, respectively, 779 and 963 in 2021-2024. In 2022, there was about 4.5-fold increase in the number of children identified as TB contacts (387). About 1465 children received TB preventive treatment from 2019 to 2024. After contact tracing, this number peaked at 400 in 2022. About 96% of the personnel responded that the project improved the management of TB.

CONCLUSIONS: Intensification of contact tracing activities and the decrease in TB diagnoses among children under 5 years of age strongly contributed to the prevention and control of the disease within this key population, aligning with the priorities of the World Health Organization End TB Strategy.

PMID:41894628 | DOI:10.4103/ijmy.ijmy_217_25

Int J Mycobacteriol. 2026 Jan 1;15(1):1-5. doi: 10.4103/ijmy.ijmy_129_25. Epub 2026 Mar 27.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern, particularly in children. Conventional TB diagnostics, such as culture or sputum-based. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is limited in pediatric populations. This study evaluates the molecular diagnostic of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) 16 small ribosomal RNA (rRNA) plasma in drug-sensitive TB children and household contacts.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study involved children aged 1 month to 18 years who were diagnosed with TB and those with household contact with TB cases. Participants underwent clinical evaluation, tuberculin skin test (TST), and peripheral blood collection for PCR 16S rRNA MTB. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact and Mann-Whitney U-tests (P < 0.05). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), likelihood ratio, and area under the curve (AUC) were determined to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of PCR 16S rRNA.

RESULTS: Among 30 participants, 15 were diagnosed with TB, and 15 were close contacts of TB. Positive PCR 16S rRNA results were found in 66.7% of TB-diagnosed children and 46.7% of household contacts, with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.239). TST was positive in 86.7% of the TB group and 20% of contact TB (P < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, likelihood ratio, and AUC of the PCR 16S rRNA MTB were 66.7%, 63.3%, 58.82%, 61.53%, 1.817, 0.400 (0.194-0.606).

CONCLUSION: Molecular diagnostic of MTB using PCR 16S rRNA blood is a promising tool for identifying MTB in children. These findings support the potential role of blood-based molecular diagnostics in TB.

PMID:41894621 | DOI:10.4103/ijmy.ijmy_129_25

Nutr Rev. 2026 Mar 27:nuag037. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuag037. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: Dietary protein requirements for older adults with normal kidney function or nondialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) are still not clearly understood. Low protein intake is often recommended for the management of CKD, although some evidence suggests that higher protein intake may reduce the risk of protein energy malnutrition and sarcopenia among older adults.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and synthesize the longitudinal evidence on the association between dietary protein intake and kidney function in community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years) with normal kidney function or nondialysis CKD.

DATA SOURCES: Embase, Medline, and Scopus electronic databases, along with the Web of Science platform, were systematically searched from inception to November 7, 2025.

DATA EXTRACTION: The search yielded 2325 articles. Title and abstract, as well as full-text review, were independently performed by 2 reviewers. A total of 6 studies met our inclusion criteria. Data extraction was completed by 1 reviewer and independently cross-checked by another. The ROBINS-E tool was used to assess the risk of bias and the GRADE approach was used to assess the certainty of evidence.

DATA ANALYSIS AND RESULTS: Due to limitations in available evidence, a meta-analysis could not be performed, and a narrative review approach was adopted instead. Five of the 6 included studies reported no statistically significant association between protein intake and kidney function in older adults with normal kidney function or nondialysis CKD, while, in 1 study, higher plant protein intake was associated with slower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline.

CONCLUSION: There was insufficient evidence that dietary protein intake impacted longitudinal kidney function in community-dwelling older adults not on dialysis; however, research in this area is lacking. Further research may inform the development of more personalized interventions to optimize protein intake and health in later life.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42024567168.

PMID:41894612 | DOI:10.1093/nutrit/nuag037

Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 2026 Mar 27;0(0):1-31. doi: 10.11607/prd.7750. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this retrospective case series is to provide evidence of the performance of a surgical concept, the ‘Compensatory Alveolar Socket Seal’ (CASS) by sealing not only the coronal part of the alveolar socket but also its buccal aspect using a subepithelial connective tissue graft to enhance soft tissue volume and adequately restore a proper emergence profile.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective case series, 389 patients underwent treatment with this modified surgical technique (CASS). This treatment includes minimally traumatic extraction, immediate implant placement and a connective tissue sealing the buccal aspect of the socket. Radiographic bone level (RBL) was stablished as the main outcome variable. Other variables such as implant osteointegration or need for secondary subepithelial connective tissue graft surgery were also recorded. Additionally, Pink Esthetic Score (PES) was also evaluated.

RESULTS: Although no statistical differences in RBL were observed, a trend was seen for increased bone level changes in the upper first left premolar (0.97 mm (SD=0.89)) while the least was observed in the upper left canine (0.07 mm (SD=0.88)). Bone level changes varied according to implant site and type of connection. Implants with an external connection had a deeper bone remodeling compared with an internal connection (0.65 mm SD=1.12 vs 0.47 mm SD=1.34 respectively. PES levels improved during the follow up period. The highest increase (1.61) was found between baseline (V1) and 12 weeks postoperatively (V2) (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: The CASS technique appears to be a reliable technique for preserving the alveolar process without requiring hard tissue replacement strategies, with excellent aesthetic results.

PMID:41894611 | DOI:10.11607/prd.7750

Mil Med. 2026 Mar 27:usag142. doi: 10.1093/milmed/usag142. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Obesity poses an increasing threat to U.S. military readiness, with over half of active-duty service members classified as overweight and up to 27% with obesity. Within the Military Health System (MHS), obesity contributes to service disqualification, musculoskeletal injury, and cardiometabolic disease, accounting for an estimated $2 billion annually in combined costs. Although TRICARE began covering obesity medications (OMs) in 2018, prior analyses demonstrated limited utilization. With policy changes in September 2024 that streamlined access and the introduction of newer agents such as semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound), this study examined updated prescribing trends and predictors of OM use from fiscal years (FY) 2023-2024.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed demographic, clinical, and pharmacy claims data from the MHS Data Repository for adult TRICARE Prime and Plus beneficiaries ages 18-64, without type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher. The primary outcome was receipt of one or more TRICARE-approved OMs, excluding formulations approved for diabetes. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of OM use by sex, age, race/ethnicity, beneficiary category, rank, comorbidity status (prediabetes, metabolic syndrome, coronary artery disease, obstructive sleep apnea), and care setting.

RESULTS: Among 568,232 BMI-eligible adult beneficiaries, 31,176 (5.5%) received at least one OM. OM users were predominantly female (81%), ages 30-59 years, and dependents (71%). Half had a primary care manager in direct care and half in the private sector. Most prescribed agents were phentermine (41%), semaglutide (Wegovy, 28%), naltrexone/bupropion (20%), phentermine/topiramate (16%), and tirzepatide (Zepbound, 15%). Female sex (OR = 4.07) and senior enlisted rank (OR = 1.13) were associated with significantly (P < .05) higher odds of use; Asian/Pacific Islander (OR = 0.59), Hispanic (OR = 0.81), Black (OR = 0.82), and active-duty (OR = 0.64) beneficiaries had significantly (P < .05) lower odds.

CONCLUSIONS: Obesity medication utilization in the MHS increased modestly since 2018 but remains low relative to disease prevalence, particularly among active-duty and minority beneficiaries. Recent TRICARE coverage changes may further shape access and prescribing patterns, though their downstream effects on health outcomes, readiness, and costs remain uncertain. These findings highlight ongoing knowledge gaps regarding the optimal, sustainable use of OM in the MHS and underscore the need for MHS-specific effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness data to inform evidence-based, readiness-aligned obesity care strategies.

PMID:41894608 | DOI:10.1093/milmed/usag142

J Oncol Pharm Pract. 2026 Mar 27:10781552261430332. doi: 10.1177/10781552261430332. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BackgroundCytotoxic drugs play a crucial role in cancer care but are highly hazardous to the health of healthcare workers if not handled safely. However, despite global guidelines for safe handling, knowledge and practice gaps persist, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). There is no documented evidence in Ghana regarding this problem. The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and practice of oncology personnel regarding safe handling of cytotoxic and hazardous drugs at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ghana.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 75 healthcare workers, comprising pharmacists, nurses, medical officers, and pharmacy technicians, who were involved in handling cytotoxic drugs. Data were gathered using a structured, pretested questionnaire and analysed using SPSS v20. Descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses were used to evaluate knowledge, practices, and predictors.ResultsMost respondents (mean age, 30.9 years) demonstrated good knowledge of safe handling practices, with a mean knowledge score of 7.67/10. All identified hand hygiene and worker protection as important safety practices. Significant gaps were identified; only 19% were aware of glove variability, and 15% knew that gowns could not be reused. Reported practices were good overall (mean practice score = 7.24/10), although 15% reported touching cytotoxic tablets with bare hands, and 19% reused personal protective equipment (PPE). The availability of PPE was high for gloves and aprons, but less so for head and shoe covers, which were also underutilised. Professional cadre was a significant predictor of knowledge (p = 0.022), but no factor significantly predicted practice.ConclusionWhile oncology personnel had high knowledge and compliance rates with safe handling procedures, there are crucial gaps, especially in the use of PPE and awareness of equipment standards. Regular training and institutional policy reinforcement are recommended to enhance safety and minimise occupational hazards in cytotoxic drug handling.

PMID:41891208 | DOI:10.1177/10781552261430332

Langmuir. 2026 Mar 27. doi: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.6c00952. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

We investigate proteinoid systems formed on olivine mineral substrates, focusing on self-organization, electrochemical properties, and information-processing capacity. Olivine’s ubiquity in meteorites, planetary surfaces, and protoplanetary disks makes it a geochemically relevant template for prebiotic chemistry across cosmic environments. Glu:Phe:Asp proteinoids synthesized in olivine-rich acidic solutions─mimicking early Earth hydrothermal conditions─were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The proteinoids self-assembled into spherical microspheres (2-15 μm in diameter), dendritic networks, and complex mineral-templated architectures. Budding-like reproduction and neuron-like branching morphologies emerged spontaneously. Electrochemical analysis revealed stable impedance profiles that, when thresholded, enabled Boolean logic operations (AND, OR, XOR, and NOT). Galvanostatic measurements showed spontaneous electrical oscillations with burst dynamics, heavy-tailed distributions, and non-Poissonian statistics, which are signatures of complex adaptive systems. Olivine substrates stabilized the electrical behavior while preserving computational functionality. These findings suggest that proteinoid-olivine hybrids can perform unconventional computing tasks while simultaneously exhibiting biomimetic self-assembly and primitive reproductive behaviors. This work illuminates mineral-organic interactions relevant to both terrestrial and extraterrestrial prebiotic chemistry and provides a foundation for bioinspired computing systems that merge organic self-organization with mineral-based information processing.

PMID:41891198 | DOI:10.1021/acs.langmuir.6c00952

Prog Transplant. 2026 Mar 27:15269248261430365. doi: 10.1177/15269248261430365. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

IntroductionGender disparity remains a global issue in access to renal replacement therapy and kidney transplantation among patients with end-stage kidney disease.AimThis study examined trends in donor type, recipient age, and dialysis modality in kidney transplantation in Türkiye from 2013 to 2022. A secondary aim was to explore gender disparities in kidney transplantation and treatment modalities for end-stage kidney disease using registry data.MethodsThis descriptive and cross-sectional study analyzed the distribution and trends of kidney transplants in Türkiye between 2013 and 2022. The data were obtained from the publicly accessible Registry of Nephrology, Dialysis, and Transplantation reports in Türkiye. Per million population increase/decrease rate, χ² linear trend, and χ² R by C were used.ResultsOver time, transplants from living donors increased, while deceased donor transplants decreased. The highest rates of living donor transplants were in 2022, 2021, and 2019. Transplants in high-risk age groups increased significantly. There were differences in donor type among patients receiving hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or preemptive transplantation (p < .001). Preemptive transplants showed the most significant increase, especially from living donors in 2022. Between 2013 and 2022, kidney transplantation increased by 24.67% in men and 19.94% in women. Female transplant rates were lowest in 2016, 2020, and 2021, indicating a persistent gender gap. There was no significant gender difference in the incidence of hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.ConclusionLiving donor transplants, especially preemptive ones, increased markedly over the past decade. Gender disparities persist, and efforts should focus on improving access for women and promoting deceased donor programs to ensure equity.

PMID:41891195 | DOI:10.1177/15269248261430365

J Holist Nurs. 2026 Mar 27:8980101261430888. doi: 10.1177/08980101261430888. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aims to examine the use and attitudes of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery from a holistic nursing perspective. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with 156 patients undergoing cardiac surgery in a research hospital. Data were collected using a questionnaire and the “Attitudes Toward Holistic Complementary and Alternative Medicine Scale.” Analysis involved descriptive statistics and bivariate correlation. Results: Findings indicate that 16.7% of participants considered conventional medical treatment inadequate. Reasons for CAM use included strengthening the immune system (10.3%) and seeking physical/psychological relaxation (15.4%). Crucially, 71.8% of CAM users failed to disclose this information to healthcare personnel. The mean attitude score was 31.38 ± 4.40, revealing significant positive correlations between CAM use, education level, and the perception of benefit. Conclusion: Consistent inquiry into patients’ use of supportive methods is essential for effective postoperative management. This planning must prioritize the integrity of the patient’s body, mind, and spirit, ensuring that care is fully aligned with a holistic nursing approach.

PMID:41891180 | DOI:10.1177/08980101261430888

Autism Res. 2026 Mar 27:e70238. doi: 10.1002/aur.70238. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Healthy lifestyle behaviors, including physical activity, screen time, sleep, and diet quality, are important determinants of mental health, yet little is known about how these behaviors cluster among children with neurodevelopmental disorders. This study identified lifestyle profiles in children with autism and ADHD and examined associations with internalizing, externalizing, and irritability symptoms. Parents of children with a diagnosis of autism and ADHD (n = 523, 7-12 years, 67% male) reported on lifestyle behaviors and mental health outcomes. Latent profile analysis supported a four-profile solution that balanced statistical fit, parsimony, and theoretical interpretability. Profile 1 (19%) was characterized by very high levels of physical activity, moderate sedentary screen time, relatively high sleep, and above average diet quality. Profile 2 (50%) represented a balanced lifestyle, with moderate activity and sedentary screen time, adequate sleep, and the highest diet quality. Profile 3 (20%) showed low activity, elevated sedentary screen time, adequate sleep, and poor diet quality, while Profile 4 (11%) was defined by extremely high sedentary screen time, low activity, adequate sleep, and poor diet. Children in less healthy profiles characterized by high screen time and poor diet quality reported significantly higher internalizing symptoms compared to the highly active group. However, externalizing symptoms were highest in the highly active profile, and irritability was lowest in the balanced profile relative to both high activity and high screen time groups. Findings suggest that while very high physical activity may protect against internalizing symptoms, a balanced lifestyle combining moderate activity, limited screen use, adequate sleep, and good diet quality may best mental health in children with autism and ADHD.

PMID:41891157 | DOI:10.1002/aur.70238