Nevin Manimala

Sci Rep. 2026 Jan 25. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-37179-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The causal relationships between external driving forces and the ecological degradation of lakes are characterized as complex and multidimensional, with multiple inputs and outputs, nonlinearity, and many interactions. Conventional parametric statistical methods such as correlation analysis and multiple linear regression cannot handle these characteristics simultaneously. Thus, we developed an integrated analytical framework to screen, identify, and predict the factors related to the ecological degradation of lakes based on redundancy analysis (RDA), variance partitioning analysis (VPA), and principal component analysis-based generalized additive models (PCA-based GAM). The RDA and VPA methods were employed to identify and rank the driving factors that explained the decrease in species richness (specifically of key aquatic organisms, including phytoplankton, submerged plants, zooplankton, benthic animals, and fish), which is a critical ecological indicator closely associated with lake ecological degradation. PCA-based GAM was used to explore the patterns associated with driving forces. The driving forces related to the changes in species richness during the 35 years from 1986 to 2020 were investigated in Baiyangdian (BYD) Lake, China. Three categories of driving forces were identified: anthropogenic pollution, climate change, and hydrological conditions. Significant detrimental changes in species richness were detected in the first decade, followed by relative stability in the next decade, and favorable changes since 2015. Anthropogenic pollution, climate change, and hydrological conditions explained 41%, 18%, and 13% of the total variance, respectively. The best predictive model structures included the water level (WL), air temperature (AT), total phosphorus (TP), and (WL*TP) interaction, and they explained 98.4% of the total data variance. The proposed method offers actionable solutions for lake management, including real-time ecological health monitoring, adaptive strategies and indicating ecological degradation.

PMID:41582268 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-37179-6

Clin Rheumatol. 2026 Jan 26. doi: 10.1007/s10067-026-07952-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Osteoarthritis (OA) has been a major public health challenge. The role of non-negligible dietary factors in the development of OA and in mortality risk among OA patients is unclear. This study aims to investigate the associations of serum carotenoid levels with mortality in OA patients.

METHODS: We analyzed data from 2051 OA patients in NHANES III. Mortality through December 31, 2019, was determined via the National Death Index. We assessed associations between carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, lycopene) and mortality using cubic splines and Cox regression. Sensitivity and stratified analyses were performed.

RESULTS: Overall, 942 deaths occurred during a median 12.58-year follow-up. Higher quartiles of all carotenoids (except lutein/zeaxanthin) were associated with lower all-cause mortality (hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals: 0.53 [0.41, 0.67], 0.74 [0.59, 0.95], 0.75 [0.59, 0.96], and 0.66 [0.51, 0.86] for α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and lycopene). BMI modified the relationship between β-carotene and mortality, showing a protective effect with BMI < 30 kg/m².

CONCLUSION: Higher serum carotenoid levels are linked to reduced mortality. While suggesting potential benefits, carotenoid supplement use remains questionable due to possible antioxidant interactions and synergistic effects. Key Points • Higher quartiles of all carotenoids (except lutein/zeaxanthin) were related to lower all-cause mortality. • Elevated serum carotenoid levels were associated with a decreased risk of mortality.

PMID:41582266 | DOI:10.1007/s10067-026-07952-z

Neurol Sci. 2026 Jan 26;47(2):195. doi: 10.1007/s10072-025-08795-3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Vascular parkinsonism (VP) and the postural instability and gait difficulty (PIGD) subtype of Parkinson’s disease (PD) exhibit similar gait characteristics. However, most research emphasizes lower-limb gait parameters, often neglecting the role of cognitive function in gait regulation. Therefore, this study investigates differences in cognitive-motor interactions between VP and PIGD to identifying specific gait biomarkers and develop a diagnostic model.

METHODS: We recruited 37 PIGD patients and 37 VP patients between year 2022 to 2024 and used wearable devices to record gait parameters during single-task and dual-task paradigms. Demographic and clinical data were collected from all participants. Statistical analysis was conducted using R software with P < 0.05 as statistically significance.

RESULTS: Multiple gait parameters significantly difference between VP and PIGD groups under both single-task and dual-task paradigms. In both single-task and dual-task gait comparisons, significant differences were observed between VP and PIGD in walk speed, shank swing speed, gait speed, phase coordination index (PCI), and trunk sway maximum (P < 0.05). Corresponding dual-task costs (DTC) also showed significant differences (P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis indicated a good diagnostic performance when combining multiple gait parameters and their DTC with MoCA scores (AUC 0.838, 95% CI 0.745-0.931; AUC 0.880, 95% CI 0.803-0.957). Correlation analysis revealed that several gait and DTC metrics were highly associated with cognitive performance in VP patients.

CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that gait parameters provide reliable diagnostic discrimination between VP and PIGD. Moreover, gait parameters were significantly associated with cognitive function in VP patients.

PMID:41582250 | DOI:10.1007/s10072-025-08795-3

Sci Rep. 2026 Jan 25. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-36801-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study was to investigate novel and green-synthesized ZnO NPs derived from C. cyminum seeds for photocatalytic degradation of the Direct Yellow 86 dye under UV irradiation. The green catalyst cumin-derived Zinc Oxide NPs (GC-C-ZnO NPs) were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). A Box-Behnken Design (BBD) determines optimal conditions for DY86 removal, achieving 94% efficiency at pH 11.0, dye concentration of 30 mg L^-1, catalyst dose of 0.12 g L^-1, and a time of 30 min. The predictive model was statistically validated by analysis of variance (ANOVA), confirming a high correlation coefficient (R² 0.99). Significance was also verified by [Formula: see text] 0.99 and [Formula: see text] 0.98 values. The model and all parameters exhibited exceptional statistical significance (F-value 281.00, P-value < 0.0001). Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis confirms diminished peaks at m/z 318.70 after photocatalysis by the GC-C-ZnO NPs. This investigation successfully advanced an efficient, eco-friendly photocatalytic system for enhanced water and wastewater purification. The study demonstrates that GC-C-ZnO NPs provide an efficient and eco-friendly photocatalytic system for the removal of organic dyes from textile wastewater.

PMID:41582248 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-36801-x

Sci Rep. 2026 Jan 25. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-37549-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

To measure biceps, triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac skinfold thicknesses, and to construct population growth charts for these skinfolds and for the sum of the 4 skinfold thicknesses. One aim was also to derive the percentage of body fat from skinfold thicknesses, and to determine whether BMI and MUAC could be used to measure body fatness. The research methodology involved a cross-sectional study design, with data collected from children 0-18 years of age across different age groups and in both sexes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We included at least 200 children in each age-sex group. Height, weight, biceps skinfold, triceps skinfold, subscapular skinfold, suprailiac skinfold, and mid-upper-arm circumference were measured in each child. We determined whether the calculation of percentage body fat from the skinfold measurements correlated with BMI in the United Arab Emirates population. We also determined whether any of the above is a good indicator of fatness in children. Statistical tests used were Pearson’s correlation, partial correlations and concordance coefficient. The total number of children studied was 19,960 children (9646 boys and 10,314 girls). BMI, upper-arm circumference, sum of four skinfolds, and percentage body fat charts were constructed using the LMS smoothing method. BMI significantly correlated with the sum of skinfold thicknesses and mid-upper-arm circumference. Prevalence of obesity and overweight in ages 13-17 years was respectively 9.94% and 15.16% in females and 6.08% and 14.16% in males. Derived body fat charts were found not to be accurate. BMI and MUAC were not concordant with the sum of 4 skinfold thicknesses. National BMI, upper-arm circumference, and sum of four skinfolds charts have been constructed as a reference standard for the UAE. The sum of four skinfold thicknesses provides a more accurate measure of adiposity than BMI or MUAC in UAE children. These UAE-specific growth charts enable better assessment of childhood obesity.

PMID:41582231 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-37549-0

Eur J Pediatr. 2026 Jan 26;185(2):106. doi: 10.1007/s00431-026-06761-5.

ABSTRACT

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in childhood, and levetiracetam, a newer anti-seizure medication (ASM), is widely used due to its efficacy and safety. Recent attention has focused on the effects of anti-seizure medication (ASM) on thyroid function. This study aimed to evaluate changes in thyroid function and thyroid volume in children receiving levetiracetam monotherapy. It is the first study to assess both thyroid function tests and ultrasonographic thyroid volume in this context. In this single-center, prospective study, 40 children aged 3 months to 18 years with epilepsy who began levetiracetam monotherapy at Dr. Behçet Uz Children’s Hospital between January and June 2024 were included. Thyroid function tests (fT3, fT4, TSH, Anti-TPO, Anti-Tg) and thyroid volume (via ultrasound) were measured before treatment and at the 6th month, and analyzed using age-adjusted standard deviation scores (SDS). No statistically significant differences were found between baseline and 6th-month values for fT3 (p = 0.678), fT4 (p = 0.604), TSH (p = 0.210), Anti-TPO (p = 0.923), or Anti-Tg (p = 0.843). Thyroid volume showed no significant change (p = 0.159), but thyroid volume SDS decreased significantly (p = 0.018).

CONCLUSION: Levetiracetam monotherapy over six months did not significantly affect thyroid hormone levels, autoantibodies, or absolute thyroid volume, although a decrease in thyroid volume SDS was noted. This may be due to measurement variability. Overall, short-term levetiracetam use appears safe in terms of thyroid function.

WHAT IS KNOWN: • Levetiracetam is widely used in pediatric epilepsy and is considered to have a favorable safety profile with respect to endocrine function. • Previous studies suggest that levetiracetam has minimal effects on thyroid function in children, although the available data are limited.

WHAT IS NEW: • This prospective study evaluates both thyroid function tests and ultrasonographic thyroid volume in children receiving levetiracetam monotherapy. • Over a six-month follow-up period, thyroid hormone levels and autoantibody profiles remained stable, with no clinically relevant change in absolute thyroid volume, although a mild decrease in thyroid volume standard deviation score was observed.

PMID:41582223 | DOI:10.1007/s00431-026-06761-5

Cardiovasc Diabetol. 2026 Jan 25. doi: 10.1186/s12933-026-03076-5. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41582213 | DOI:10.1186/s12933-026-03076-5

Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. 2026 Jan 26. doi: 10.1038/s41391-026-01077-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Addition of an androgen receptor pathway inhibitor (ARPI) to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) (ADT + ARPI, i.e., maximal androgen blockade, MAB) improves survival outcomes compared to ADT monotherapy in patients with prostate cancer (PC). It is known that ADT increases the risk of fractures in patients with PC, but it is unclear if this risk is higher with MAB. The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine if MAB increases the incidence of fractures compared to ADT alone, and if the incidence of fractures was influenced by the type of ARPI.

METHODS: Clinical trials assessing MAB versus ADT alone in patients with PC were identified using the PubMed/Medline and Cochrane library databases. The pooled odds ratio of developing fractures with MAB versus ADT alone was calculated for each type of ARPI in selected studies by random-effects modeling. The number of patients receiving bone-protecting agent (BPA) was also evaluated.

RESULTS: We identified 17 studies comprising 16162 patients for the systematic review and meta-analysis (9240 patients treated with MAB, 6922 patients treated with ADT alone). Each type of ADT + ARPI resulted in a statistically significant increased risk of fractures compared to ADT alone (pooled OR ranging from 1.5 to 2.4). There was no difference in the magnitude of the risk of fractures among the different ARPIs. Only 7 studies reported the number of patients treated with a BPA.

CONCLUSIONS: In our meta-analysis, MAB resulted in a statistically significant increase in fracture risk compared to ADT alone, regardless of the type of ARPI. Since long-term MAB represents the standard of care in various settings of PC, the use of a BPA should be generally recommended. Dosing and frequency of BPA need to be adapted according to the specific PC setting.

PMID:41582208 | DOI:10.1038/s41391-026-01077-9

Sci Rep. 2026 Jan 25. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-37131-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The study presents a hybrid model for encryption which is based on the utilization of nonlinear chaotic behaviors in a cubic optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) as well as biomimetic DNA computation to achieve secure and lossless protection of audio data. Using a model of the oscillator that had a delayed feedback loop exhibited a strength of dynamical phenomena including Hopf-Hopf bifurcation, quasi-periodicity, and chaos, which will be applied for the generation of cryptographic keys. Bifurcation analysis was performed using the multiple scales method (MMS) in combination with DDE-BIFTOOL, and the analyses were able to observe the dynamical behaviors of the system through bifurcations while mapping high-entropy key sequences. The chaotic key sequences will drive DNA level permutation, substitution, and complementation processes to perform nonlinear diffusion and confusion of the audio data. Statistical tests demonstrated excellent encryption efficacy, with entropy values approaching [Formula: see text], NSCR above [Formula: see text], and UACI around [Formula: see text] confirming adequate randomness and resistance to statistical and differential attacks. In addition, resulting decrypted signals had negligible MSE [Formula: see text] and high PSNR [Formula: see text]dB), ensuring complete lossless recovery and accuracy.

PMID:41582207 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-37131-8

Breast Cancer Res. 2026 Jan 26;28(1):3. doi: 10.1186/s13058-025-02174-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Trastuzumab, combined with chemotherapy, is the current standard treatment for both metastatic and early-stage HER2-positive (HER2 +) breast cancer. One of the mechanisms of action of trastuzumab is antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), which involves engaging FcγRIIIA (CD16) on natural killer (NK) cells. A competent immune system and properly functioning NK cells are crucial for effective ADCC, as they can influence favorable clinical outcomes. Resistance to trastuzumab often develops after about one year. We previously reported that elevated levels of miR-19a-3p in the serum of patients with metastatic HER2 + breast cancer treated with trastuzumab were associated with a favorable prognosis. Here, we aim to identify the mechanism and the immune cells responsible for elevated serum levels of miR-19a-3p.

METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy individuals were used to isolate naïve CD4 + T cells and NK cells. Naïve CD4 + T cells were polarized into CD4 + Th1 and CD4 + Th2 cells. NK cells were utilized for the ADCC assay. Levels of transcription factors, cytokines, and miR-19a-3p were measured using RT-qPCR. Surface markers and cytokines were analyzed by flow cytometry to characterize immune cell phenotypes.

RESULTS: In vitro NK cell-mediated ADCC resulted in increased levels of miR-19a-3p released into the supernatants after killing breast cancer cells. In vitro polarized CD4 + Th1 cells expressed and secreted higher levels of miR-19a-3p than CD4 + Th2 cells. Over a long-term in vitro culture (24 days), anti-CD3/CD28 restimulation sustained higher levels of miR-19a-3p in CD4 + Th1 cells compared to CD4 + Th2 cells and their respective supernatants. CD4 + Th1 cells developed a central memory T (T_CM) phenotype (CD45RO + CCR7 + CD62L +) and expressed and secreted higher levels of miR-19a-3p than CD4 + Th2 cells. In patients with HER2 + metastatic breast cancer, those with elevated serum levels of miR-19a-3p and a favorable prognosis had a larger percentage of circulating activated T cells and NK cells in their blood compared to patients with lower serum levels of miR-19a-3p and a poor prognosis. The small cohort (n = 15) limits the statistical power of our retrospective study.

DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that elevated levels of miR-19a-3p in the serum of patients with HER2 + metastatic breast cancer may result from effective NK cell-mediated ADCC and activation of CD4 + Th1 cells, which could be responsible for the anti-tumor immune response associated with a favorable prognosis. Blood levels of miR-19a-3p might help identify breast cancer patients who have effective trastuzumab-induced anti-tumor immune responses.

PMID:41582199 | DOI:10.1186/s13058-025-02174-8