Nevin Manimala

Probl Endokrinol (Mosk). 2026 May 20;72(2):78-85. doi: 10.14341/probl13645.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic progressive autoimmune disease characterized by destruction of pancreatic betta cells leading to insulin deficiency, measured by C-peptide testing. C-peptide secretion has been studied in diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic aspects in patients with already manifested T1DM. Insulin secretion assessed by the level of C-peptide at the preclinical stage remains under-studied.

AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the possibility of predicting the development of T1DM in healthy siblings based on dynamic measurements of C-peptide concentration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter prospective longitudinal study involving 532 individuals was conducted. Median follow-up duration was 5.6 years. Group 1 (n=325) included children aged 0-18 years with newly diagnosed T1DM; group 2 (n=201) consisted of healthy brothers and sisters (siblings) who did not develop T1DM until the end of the study; group 3 (n=6) comprised healthy siblings who developed T1DM before the study completion. All participants underwent dynamic testing of blood analysis for C-peptide using solid-phase chemiluminescent immunoassay. RESULTS: In groups 1 and 3, the actual median concentration of baseline C-peptide was below reference values: 0.31 ng/mL [95% CI 0.10-1.39] and 0.56 ng/mL [95% CI 0.32-0.85], respectively. In group 2, it corresponded to the lower limit of reference values: 0.88 ng/mL [95% CI 0.28-2.69]. The observed differences were statistically significant between groups 1 and 2 (χ2 =168.29, df=1, p < 0.001) and between groups 2 and 3 (χ2 =4.2292, df=1, p=0.040). Regression modeling revealed a nonlinear positive relationship between C-peptide concentration and age. At any age category, the median initial C-peptide concentration in groups 1 and 3 was lower than that in group 2 above the average level (“intercept”) characteristic for the cohort of specific age. The association between C-peptide concentration and time since observation onset was statistically significant (p < 0.05) and bidirectional: over time, concentrations decreased in groups 1 and 3 and increased in group 2.

CONCLUSION: Measurement of baseline C-peptide levels followed by dynamic monitoring may serve as an additional screening tool for predicting the risk of T1DM development in healthy siblings.

PMID:42227094 | DOI:10.14341/probl13645

Phlebology. 2026 Jun 2:2683555261458164. doi: 10.1177/02683555261458164. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

ObjectivePhlebolymphedema is a progressive condition caused by combined venous and lymphatic dysfunction. Although complete decongestive therapy (CDT) is widely used in clinical practice, objective evidence regarding its effectiveness across different disease stages is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term effectiveness of CDT in patients with lower extremity phlebolymphedema and to examine the influence of disease stage and body mass index (BMI) on treatment response.MethodsThis retrospective study included patients with phlebolymphedema treated at a tertiary lymphedema clinic between 2020 and 2024. Chronic venous insufficiency was diagnosed by lower-extremity venous duplex Doppler ultrasonography, and lymphatic dysfunction was confirmed by lymphoscintigraphy. All patients completed a standardized intensive CDT program consisting of manual lymphatic drainage, multilayer compression bandaging, and therapeutic exercises for 10 sessions over 2 weeks. Extremity volume was measured using circumferential measurements and calculated with the truncated cone formula. Pre- and post-treatment volumes were compared, and associations with disease stage and BMI were analyzed.Results62 patients (72.2% female), corresponding to 108 affected lower extremities, were analyzed. The mean BMI was 36.5 ± 6.3 kg/m². CDT resulted in a statistically significant reduction in extremity volume (median reduction: 0.55 L; p < .001). Treatment response differed across disease stages, with greater absolute volume reduction observed in Stage 3 disease (p = .007). A positive correlation was identified between BMI and volume reduction (ρ = 0.322, p = .0007). Age, sex, and history of venous surgery were not associated with treatment response.ConclusionCDT is an effective treatment modality for achieving a significant short-term reduction in extremity volume in patients with phlebolymphedema. Clinically meaningful volume reduction can be achieved across all disease stages, including patients with advanced-stage disease and elevated BMI. These findings support the role of CDT as a primary conservative treatment option in routine phlebolymphedema management.

PMID:42227080 | DOI:10.1177/02683555261458164

J Sex Marital Ther. 2026 Jun 2:1-22. doi: 10.1080/0092623X.2026.2680162. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Infidelity is one of the most devastating events in a relationship, yet many couples choose to reconcile and stay together in its aftermath. There is scarce research on how likely such an outcome is amongst individuals motivated to achieve it as well as on pathways to and predictors of relationship preservation, defined as remaining in the original relationship. This study administered the Pathways Through Infidelity Survey to individuals who have had an affair (“commitment-breaking partners”) and whose partner has had an affair (“betrayal-experiencing partners”) recruited through the social media profiles of three mental health professionals enabling post-infidelity recovery and reconciliation. Analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and Classification and Regression Trees (CART). Analyzable responses were obtained from 1151 commitment-breaking and 2278 betrayal-experiencing partners. The strongest predictors of relationship preservation were love for commitment-breaking partners and formalization of the relationship (marriage, engagement, long-term relationship) for betrayal-experiencing partners. Relationship preservation after infidelity was found to follow neither a linear, nor uniform, nor a necessarily complex trajectory. A variety of pathways to it were identified, some brief and direct and others long and convoluted. Amongst individuals accessing social media contents about recovery and reconciliation after infidelity, relationship preservation is likely and predictable.

PMID:42227060 | DOI:10.1080/0092623X.2026.2680162

Acta Med Acad. 2026 May 26. doi: 10.5644/ama2006-124.509. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aimed to record, analyze, and evaluate data concerning patients who underwent total thyroidectomy, focusing on the main indications that led to surgical therapy, as well as postoperative complications and oncological outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 312 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy or lobectomy at the First Department of Surgery of Sismanogleio General Hospital in Athens between 2019 and 2024. Demographic data, indications, intraoperative parameters, complications, and histological findings were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v29.0.

RESULTS: Among the 312 patients, 222 (71.2%) were female, and 90 (28.8%) were male, with a mean age of 54.3±13.3 years. Total thyroidectomy was performed in 96.5% of the cases. The main indications were nodular hyperplasia (31.4%), autoimmune thyroiditis (18.9%), multinodular goiter (12.8%), and papillary carcinoma (17.3%). The overall complication rate was 31.7%, with transient postoperative hypocalcemia being the most common complication (25.3%). Permanent hypocalcemia occurred in 1.9% of patients, hemorrhage in 3.5%, and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy in 1.3% of patients. Papillary carcinoma was the most frequent malignancy, followed by follicular, medullary, and anaplastic carcinomas. Approximately 20% of patients were diagnosed with incidental carcinoma-mostly papillary microcarcinoma-emphasizing the importance of total thyroidectomy, even for benign thyroid diseases.

CONCLUSIONS: Total thyroidectomy is a safe and effective therapeutic option with low rates of permanent complications. The systematic identification and preservation of the parathyroid glands, intraoperative nerve monitoring, and meticulous hemostasis are key factors for minimizing inadvertent complications and optimizing outcomes.

PMID:42227046 | DOI:10.5644/ama2006-124.509

Cardiol Young. 2026 Jun 2:1-6. doi: 10.1017/S1047951126113456. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Echocardiography has become a crucial diagnostic tool for assessing heart diseases in children within low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of heart diseases remains substantial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to audit echocardiography (echo) reports by reviewing the trends in echocardiography, indications for echocardiography, and the frequency and pattern of paediatric heart diseases seen at the Paediatric Cardiology Unit of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, over a five-year period.

METHODS: A total of 1,155 echocardiography reports were reviewed using a structured proforma to extract relevant data. Statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS version 25.

RESULTS: Male participants constituted 52.1% of the study population. Ages ranged from 9 hours to 18 years, with a mean ± SD of 3.24 ± 4.46 years. The most frequent indication for echocardiography was fast breathing (38.27%). Approximately 31.86% of the echocardiograms were normal. CHD accounted for 63.55% of diagnoses, with 67.17% classified as acyanotic CHD and 32.83% as cyanotic CHD. Ventricular septal defect (VSD, 15.26%) and tetralogy of Fallot (TOF, 14.99%) were the most common CHDs. Acquired heart diseases were found in 4.59% of cases, with rheumatic heart disease being the most prevalent within this group (35.85%).

CONCLUSION: CHDs remain the predominant paediatric heart diseases, occurring nearly 14 times more frequently than acquired heart diseases. Ventricular septal defect and tetralogy of Fallot were the most common acyanotic and cyanotic CHDs, respectively. Among the acquired heart diseases, rheumatic heart disease was the leading diagnosis.

PMID:42227033 | DOI:10.1017/S1047951126113456

Development. 2026 Jun 2:dev.205559. doi: 10.1242/dev.205559. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

KAT6A (MOZ) and KAT6B (QKF/MORF) are related histone lysine acetyltransferases (KATs) that have a high degree of functional redundancy during development. In the absence of KAT6A embryos undergo an anterior homeotic transformation of the axial skeleton, develop an interrupted aortic arch, have ventricular septal defects and fail to form definitive hematopoietic stem cells. KAT6B has roles in brain, skeletal and hematopoietic system development. Since loss of KAT6A leads to highly penetrant phenotypes this allows us to determine if the acetylation function is essential for all activities. We show that loss of acetyltransferase activity did not phenocopy the loss of the KAT6A protein. While the mutation the KAT domains of both KAT6A and KAT6B together increased the severity of phenotypes observed, these were milder than complete KAT6A loss of function. KAT domain mutants displayed ventricular septal defects and reduced (but not eliminated) hematopoietic stem cell activity. However, they did not display homeotic transformations or aortic arch defects, suggesting that while acetylation is important some functions, others can proceed without this activity. Accordingly, KAT6 proteins appear to have functions beyond acetylation.

PMID:42227022 | DOI:10.1242/dev.205559

Arch Razi Inst. 2025 Sep 1;80(5):1151-1160. doi: 10.32598/ARI.80.5.3611. eCollection 2025 Sep.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Although the efficacy of the vaccine is influenced by various factors, including vitamin D levels, studies in this field have yielded different results. Vaccination with the attenuated sheeppox virus vaccine (RM/65) remains a preventive strategy in countries where lumpy skin disease (LSD) is prevalent, but there is no evidence from experimental research on the effect of vitamin D on the immune response to this vaccine for the prevention of LSD.

MATERIALS & METHODS: Twenty calves were selected and divided into four groups. To ensure that calves had different baseline levels of vitamin D, they were divided into two groups. One group was exposed to sunlight, while the other two groups were kept in the shade. Each of these groups was further divided into two treatment groups: One receiving vitamin D (cholecalciferol) injections and the other a control group. All groups received the attenuated sheeppox virus vaccine (RM/65), while only two groups received vitamin D simultaneously with the vaccine. Blood samples were collected from each calf weekly for six weeks. Sheeppox virus antibodies were measured according to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) protocol, with a neutralization index (NI) titer of ≥1.5 international units considered protective.

RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed a significant increase in sheeppox virus antibody levels within individual groups after day 21 (P≤0.01). However, no significant differences were observed between the four groups beyond this time point. Consequently, antibody levels in the groups receiving vitamin D did not differ from those in the other groups.

CONCLUSION: These findings are consistent with previous studies, indicating that vitamin D supplementation does not affect the efficacy of the vaccine.

PMID:42226998 | PMC:PMC13222432 | DOI:10.32598/ARI.80.5.3611

Arch Razi Inst. 2025 Sep 1;80(5):1269-1276. doi: 10.32598/ARI.80.5.3136. eCollection 2025 Sep.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study investigates the prevalence of cancer, compares inflammatory factors, and examines how inflammatory markers- C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and plasma viscosity (PV)-can aid in the early diagnosis of cancer in primary care settings.

MATERIALS & METHODS: We included newly diagnosed patients of all types of malignancy (children and adults) in this retrospective study from 2018 to 2023. The results of CRP, ESR, PV tests, and demographic data (age, gender, type of malignancy, and survival) were collected. Research data were analyzed using the t-test and chi-square statistical methods. According to the results, the average ESR and PV were higher in patients who died than in those who survived (P<0.05). In addition, it was shown that there was a significant relationship between the age and gender of the patients and their survival (P<0.05). It was also shown that there was a significant relationship between the survival of patients with ESR, CRP, and PV across different cancers (P<0.05). On the other hand, a significant correlation was found between ESR, CRP, and PV among different cancers (P<0.05).

RESULTS: Based on the results, it was shown that the average ESR and PV were higher in patients who died than in those who survived (P<0.05). In addition, it was shown that there was a significant relationship between the age and gender of the patients and their survival (P<0.05). It was also shown that there was a significant relationship between the survival of patients and ESR, CRP and PV across different cancers (P<0.05). On the other hand, it was shown that there was a significant correlation between ESR, CRP and PV among different cancers (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: To halt the progression of acute inflammation to chronic inflammation and mitigate its harmful implications, it is essential to reduce the inflammatory response. Efficient management of inflammation is crucial in preventing patient mortality and is thus essential for the treatment and survival of patients with malignancies.

PMID:42226996 | PMC:PMC13222412 | DOI:10.32598/ARI.80.5.3136

Arch Razi Inst. 2025 Sep 1;80(5):1217-1228. doi: 10.32598/ARI.80.5.3397. eCollection 2025 Sep.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The objective of the present study was to assess the impact of spiking and intra-spiking on mitigating the decline in fertility and hatchability associated with aging roosters in broiler breeder flocks.

MATERIALS & METHODS: A total of 162 Ross 308 strain birds were utilized, divided into six replicates, each consisting of nine individuals (eight hens and one cock). These replicates were randomly assigned to one of three management treatments: Group 1 (control group), group 2 (spiking group), or group 3 (intra-spiking group). Data were systematically collected from 42 to 62 weeks of age. Semen samples were obtained four times during the experimental period and evaluated for semen characteristics. Additionally, blood samples were supplied for quantifying concentrations of insulin, creatinine, testosterone, and nitric oxide. Following the experimental phase, each rooster was weighed and subsequently slaughtered, wherein testicular tissues were harvested for histological analysis. Fertility and hatchability rates were computed based on the collected data.

RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in semen characteristics among the experimental groups. However, the spiking group exhibited a statistically significant increase in testicular weight compared to the control and intra-spiking groups (P≤0.05). Furthermore, there were greater counts of spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa in the spiking group (P≤0.05). Conversely, the control group demonstrated elevated numbers of Sertoli cells, increased seminiferous duct diameters, and greater thickness of the germinal epithelium compared to the treatment groups (P≤0.05). The decline in fertility and hatchability rates associated with advancing age was less pronounced in the spiking group when compared to the other experimental groups. While concentrations of insulin and creatinine did not exhibit significant variations among the groups, testosterone and nitric oxide levels were significantly higher in the spiking group (P≤0.05).

CONCLUSION: The research findings indicate that spiking represents an effective strategy for maintaining fertility and enhancing hatchability rates in aged broiler flocks, as well as consequently increasing the economic profitability for broiler breeder producers.

PMID:42226992 | PMC:PMC13222422 | DOI:10.32598/ARI.80.5.3397

Arch Razi Inst. 2025 Sep 1;80(5):1259-1268. doi: 10.32598/ARI.80.5.3497. eCollection 2025 Sep.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The Osun River is prone to contamination from industrial, agricultural, and domestic activities, resulting in heavy metal pollution. Widespread contaminants such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic can build up in aquatic ecosystems, presenting serious health hazards to both wildlife and humans. Even at low concentrations, heavy metals are toxic, with the testes being particularly vulnerable given their essential functions in reproduction and hormone regulation. This study aims to examine the potential testicular damage resulting from prolonged exposure to heavy metal-contaminated Osun River water.

MATERIALS & METHODS: Thirty adult male Wistar rats, averaging 160 g in weight, were randomly divided into six groups (A-F), with each group consisting of five rats. Group A functioned as the control, whereas groups B, C, and D were exposed to mercury (6.8 mg/kg), cyanide (25.8 mg/kg), and lead (47 mg/kg), respectively. Group E received a combination of two heavy metals (lead and mercury) and a toxic compound (cyanide), while group F was given unrestricted access to Osun River water. All substances were administered orally via an oral cannula for a duration of four weeks.

RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences among the groups exposed to mercury, cyanide, lead, and Osun River water. Toxic effects on the testes included disorganization of seminiferous tubules, altered spermatogenic cell arrangement, structural changes in the basal membrane, testicular stroma abnormalities, and reduced sperm count, motility, and viability. These effects were dose- and time-dependent, occurring even at low concentrations.

CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate that exposure to heavy metals, whether individually or through contaminated Osun River water, leads to significant testicular damage. The observed alterations in testicular architecture and sperm parameters emphasize the toxic impact of mercury, cyanide, and lead on reproductive health. This study underscores the importance of addressing environmental contamination to safeguard both human and animal reproductive systems.

PMID:42226974 | PMC:PMC13222420 | DOI:10.32598/ARI.80.5.3497