Nevin Manimala

Glob Health Action. 2025 Dec;18(1):2585674. doi: 10.1080/16549716.2025.2585674. Epub 2025 Dec 1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: While the adverse effects of intimate partner violence (IPV) on sexual and reproductive health are globally recognized, research in low- and middle-income countries, particularly Uganda, remains limited.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the association between past-year IPV and HIV, contraceptive use, and unintended pregnancies among Ugandan women.

METHODS: Data from the Africa Medical and Behavioural Sciences Organization collected during the 2019 Population Health Surveillance in Hoima and Wakiso districts, Uganda were analysed including 1,819 women aged 15-49. Binary logistic regression was performed to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) at 95% confidence interval. This study used a cross-sectional design; therefore, causal inference cannot be established.

RESULTS: Women with past-year sexual IPV had 3.2 times higher odds of having unintended pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 3.2, 95% CI: 1.72, 5.97). There was a borderline association between both HIV infection and physical (AOR: 1.67 95% CI: 1.00, 2.79) and psychological IPV (AOR: 1.42 95% CI: 1.00, 2.00). Contraceptive use was not found to be associated with IPV (AOR: 1.30 95% CI: 0.90, 1.89).

CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the link between IPV and unintended pregnancies is suggestive of a potential association. While the association between IPV and HIV was not statistically significant, it points to a possible relationship that requires further research. There was no significant association between IPV and contraceptive use. Given the design of the study, causal inference cannot be established; however, the results may inform future studies aimed at preventing IPV and improving SRHR outcomes in Uganda.

PMID:41321171 | DOI:10.1080/16549716.2025.2585674

J Chem Theory Comput. 2025 Dec 1. doi: 10.1021/acs.jctc.5c01143. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Markov state models (MSMs) are widely employed to analyze the kinetics of complex systems. But despite their effectiveness in many applications, MSMs are prone to systematic or statistical errors, often exacerbated by suboptimal hyperparameter choice. In this article, we attempt to understand how these choices affect the error of estimates of mean first-passage times and committors, key quantities in chemical rate theory. We first evaluate the performance of the recently introduced “stopped-process estimator” [Strahan, J. Long-time-scale predictions from short-trajectory data: A benchmark analysis of the trp-cage miniprotein. J. Chem. Theory Comput. 2021, 17, 2948-2963. 10.1021/acs.jctc.0c00933.] that attempts to reduce error caused by choosing a too-large lag time. We then study the effect of statistical errors on Markov state model construction using the condition number, which measures an MSM’s sensitivity to perturbation. This analysis helps give an insight into which factors cause an MSM to be more or less sensitive to statistical error. Our work highlights the importance of choosing a good sampling measure, the measure from which the initial points are drawn, and has implications for recent work applying a variational principle for evaluating the committor.

PMID:41321159 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jctc.5c01143

Anal Chem. 2025 Dec 1. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5c04615. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections present a great challenge to healthcare, particularly during life-threatening conditions, such as septic shock. In these critical cases, testing delays are life-threatening, as patient mortality increases by 7.6% for each hour without effective antibiotics. To overcome these issues, we have developed a multichannel Large-Volume Scattering imaging (LVSim) system for rapid and precise phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination. This system simultaneously monitors up to eight sample/drug conditions over time. A Bayesian Gaussian process model is employed to analyze the temporal dynamics of bacterial growth for rapid MIC determination. We validated our method with Escherichia coli, a model bacterial strain, and two Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains─one model reference strain and one slow-growing MDR clinical isolate─and achieved rapid MIC determination within 2 h. The multiplexed LVSim system offers a promising rapid AST solution to combat MDR infections.

PMID:41321146 | DOI:10.1021/acs.analchem.5c04615

J Sports Sci. 2025 Dec 1:1-13. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2025.2595402. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to determine the physical and physiological demands of intercounty Camogie match-play between competitions. Data was collected across a two-year period, using global positioning systems (10-Hz) and heart rate monitors (2.4-GHz). There were statistically significant increases between competitions in total distance (TD) (p < 0.05), Relative Distance (RD) (p < 0.05), HRmax (p < 0.01), HRmean (p < 0.01), number of High-Speed Running (HSR), (p < 0.05) between competitions. There were also significant increases between competitions in very high-speed running (VHSR) (p < 0.05), sprinting (p < 0.02) between the National League (NL) and All-Ireland Championship (AIC). From a positional difference, half-forwards covered a significantly greater RD (p < 0.02) than full forwards during the NL (p < 0.02). Midfielders covered a significantly greater TD than full backs (p < 0.01) and full forwards (p < 0.05) during the AIC. Midfielders covered a significantly greater HSR distance than full-backs (p < 0.02) and half backs during the AIC (p < 0.05). Midfielders covered a significantly greater number of sprints than full backs during the AIC (p < 0.02). The findings provide distinct physical and physiological values of the between competition demands of intercounty Camogie match-play.

PMID:41321120 | DOI:10.1080/02640414.2025.2595402

Anal Methods. 2025 Dec 1. doi: 10.1039/d5ay01750e. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

A quick and simple fabrication process of a paper-based device using 3D printing of a polylactic acid polymer as an industrially compostable hydrophobic barrier was developed and applied to determine tin(IV) in canned fruit samples with sappan wood (Caesalpinia sappan Linn.) extract. The analysis protocol is based on the complexation of tin(IV) with brazilein from sappan wood extract. Under optimal conditions, a standard curve was obtained with a linear equation y = 7.5322x + 3.4933 and coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.9959. The intra-day and inter-day precision were less than 2.5 (n = 8) and 5.2 (n = 9)% relative standard deviations, respectively for different fruit matrices containing more than 58.5 µg g^-1 of tin. The detection limit was 1 mg L^-1. The accuracy of the method was validated using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Statistical analysis indicated no difference (p > 0.05) between the two methods. Greenness of the developed method was evaluated using the Analytical GREEnness (AGREE) software assessment tool.

PMID:41321110 | DOI:10.1039/d5ay01750e

Pediatr Dermatol. 2025 Dec 1. doi: 10.1111/pde.70060. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF) is a rare, noninfectious eosinophilic inflammatory disease that manifests with papulopustular lesions. Although EPF is not a severe skin disorder, it is recurring and causes uncomfortable symptoms, such as itching, that impact the patient’s quality of life.

METHODS: The Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched for studies on children with EPF up to May 2025. The study was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A restricted maximum likelihood (REML) random-effects model was performed for all endpoints to synthesize results with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Cochran’s Q test and I² were used to assess heterogeneity. R version 4.2.2 was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: 52 studies comprising 136 patients with EPF were included. The analysis showed a mean age of 11.16 months (95% CI: 5.11-17.22) and a male predominance of 80.58% (95% CI: 71.60-88.20). Scalp lesions were the most common site with a rate of 92.10% (95% CI: 71.25-100.00). The most common treatment included topical hydrocortisone at 1.48% (95% CI: 0.00-8.51), corticoid not identified (NI) at 2.00% (95% CI: 0.00-9.42), and others at 6.17% (95% CI: 0.00-24.16).

CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that EPF in childhood primarily affects male patients, with patient ages ranging from 0.03 to 192 months. The lesion’s most frequent location is the scalp. Corticosteroids were identified as the primary treatment strategy.

PMID:41321086 | DOI:10.1111/pde.70060

CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol. 2025 Nov 30. doi: 10.1002/psp4.70156. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

A twice-daily administration of oral selumetinib (SLT) in the fasted state is the only approved pharmaceutical option for treating inoperable neurofibromatosis type I (NF-1) and plexiform neurofibromas (PN). In children, exposure to SLT is highly variable, and fasting presents a substantial burden. Therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacokinetic modeling can support individualized therapy accompanied by a more rational alimentary routine. Twenty-eight children diagnosed with inoperable NF-1 or PN were recruited at a major pediatric oncological center. Twenty-two patients donated 156 blood samples in steady state for nonparametric population pharmacokinetic modeling. An equation was developed experimentally for estimating model error. Eleven three-compartment models were compared in terms of statistical performance. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to validate a limited external model using six additional patients and to compare the trough-to-peak SLT concentration ratios simulated for various dosing regimens to develop better control over exposure. A pharmacokinetic model that included total body weight as a covariate provided the best fit between predicted and observed concentrations (r = 0.994) and the best performance statistics. In the first Monte Carlo simulation, measured concentrations fell within the 0.01%-95% (median: 19.7%) quantiles of the simulated ranges. The second simulation revealed that 6-h (q6h), 8-h (q8h), and 12-h (q12h) dosing intervals would yield comparable trough-to-peak concentration ratios, with medians of 0.126 (range: 0.001-0.335), 0.104 (0.000-0.306), and 0.065 (0.000-0.279), respectively. The nonparametric population model provides efficient priors for making individual predictions of SLT concentrations. The simulation did not reveal any disadvantages of q6h or q8h dosing.

PMID:41321074 | DOI:10.1002/psp4.70156

Emerg Med Australas. 2025 Dec;37(6):e70184. doi: 10.1111/1742-6723.70184.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Child Life Therapists (CLT) are healthcare professionals who support children in hospital by engaging, educating and empowering them. With a high rate of procedures, the Emergency Department (ED) would seem an ideal site for CLT; however literature is limited regarding their utility. In 2024, the ED of The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH), Melbourne commenced an integrated, extended hours CLT service. This study outlines the patient demographics, support provided by CLT and presents feedback on the effectiveness of CLT from caregivers, children and clinicians.

METHODS: A retrospective chart review in 2024 included all CLT referrals over 6 months, describing patient characteristics, CLT interventions and reported CLT effectiveness. Prospective surveys of a convenience sample of carers, children and clinicians determined the effect of CLT on the procedure, net promoter scores and satisfaction scores. Hospital ethics approval was obtained (Reference number: 3915).

RESULTS: CLT assisted 1130 patients. Median age was 5 years (IQR 3-8 years). Seventeen percent were neurodiverse or had developmental delays. Sixty-six percent were admitted to hospital. Two-thirds required support for procedures-mainly blood tests via venepuncture and finger pricks (64.4%). One hundred and eighty-five caregivers, 58 patients and 58 clinicians responded: feedback indicated that CLT eased procedures, reduced distress, worry and pain. Clinicians reported increased procedural speed and efficiency and reduced use of sedation and restraint.

CONCLUSION: Child Life Therapy enhances patient care whilst improving clinical workflow. Stakeholders indicate that CLT reduces distress, pain and worry for children and may reduce the need for sedation and restraint.

PMID:41321071 | DOI:10.1111/1742-6723.70184

Neurol Res. 2025 Nov 30:1-10. doi: 10.1080/01616412.2025.2597833. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Large vessel occlusions (LVOs) in ischemic stroke represent a critical challenge, particularly in the peri-procedural setting of cardiovascular procedures (CVPs). Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is a well-established treatment for LVOs; however, its outcomes in patients following recent CVPs remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE: This multicenter retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of MT in patients with ischemic stroke occurring within 30 days of CVPs.

METHODS: We analyzed data from four centers, including patients aged ≥18 years who underwent MT for LVO within 30 days of CVPs. CVPs included both surgical (e.g. CABG, valve replacement) and minimally invasive procedures (e.g. TAVR, PCI). Baseline characteristics, procedural metrics, and outcomes, including NIHSS and mRS scores, were collected. Statistical analyses were performed using R software.

RESULTS: Of 8,947 screened stroke patients, 27 met the inclusion criteria. The median age was 69 years (IQR 60-83), and 56% were male. Anterior circulation occlusions were present in 93% of cases, with a median baseline NIHSS score of 18 (IQR 14-21). Successful reperfusion (TICI ≥2b) was achieved in 85% of cases, with a median of one thrombectomy pass. At 90 days, 30% of patients achieved functional independence (mRS 0-2), while the mortality rate was 44%. Procedural complications were rare (3.7%).

CONCLUSION: MT in patients with peri-procedural LVO after CVPs demonstrates success but poor functional recovery compared with baseline. These findings highlight the need for prospective studies to identify patients who may benefit most from MT in this high-risk population.

PMID:41320809 | DOI:10.1080/01616412.2025.2597833

Ann Med. 2025 Dec;57(1):2594355. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2025.2594355. Epub 2025 Nov 30.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Statins reduce cardiovascular risk but may increase new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (NO-T2DM). Ezetimibe, a cholesterol absorption inhibitor, is often added to statins to improve lipid control, yet its impact on NO-T2DM remains uncertain.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review evaluated moderate-intensity statin plus ezetimibe dual therapy versus high-intensity statin monotherapy for NO-T2DM risk.

METHODS: Five databases were searched to identify eligible studies. Random-effects meta-analyses generated pooled relative risks (RR) quantifying the effect of ezetimibe plus moderate-intensity statins on NO-T2DM. The Attributable Risk Fraction (ARF) was quantified utilizing the pooled estimate.

RESULTS: Ten observational studies and four clinical trials were included. In four cohort studies, ezetimibe plus moderate-intensity statin compared to high-intensity statin monotherapy was significantly linked to 18% reduced risk of NO-T2DM (pooled RR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.77-0.87; I2 = 0.0%; p < 0.001). In three methodologically similar studies, compared to moderate-intensity statin monotherapy, adding ezetimibe to moderate-intensity statin dual therapy showed non-statistically (p > 0.05) significant 4% increased risk of NO-T2DM development (pooled RR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.94-1.14, I2= 0.0%). Compared with patients receiving high-intensity statin therapy, 22% of NO-T2DM cases could potentially be averted with dual therapy (moderate-intensity statin plus ezetimibe). In four studies involving 5,072 patients on high-intensity statins who developed NO-T2DM, 1,115 patients (812-1,420) could have been prevented with ezetimibe plus moderate-intensity statin dual therapy.

CONCLUSION: Incorporating ezetimibe with moderate-intensity statins, rather than relying solely on high-intensity statins, may reduce the risk of NO-T2DM in patients with dyslipidemia and elevated cardiovascular disease risk.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42024518630.

PMID:41320800 | DOI:10.1080/07853890.2025.2594355