Nevin Manimala

Dent Mater. 2025 Oct 29:S0109-5641(25)00800-0. doi: 10.1016/j.dental.2025.10.011. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to examine the biocompatibility, regenerative potential, and immunomodulatory effects of three formulated calcium silicate-containing sealers (CSCS)-TotalFill BC Sealer (TFbc), NeoSEALER Flo (NS Flo), and NeoSEALER EZ Flo (NS EZ Flo)-on human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Third molars extracted from healthy patients (n = 15) were used to isolate hPDLSCs. Dilutions of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4 were prepared, along with set sample discs of TFbc, NS Flo, and NS EZ Flo. The following assays were conducted: cell phenotyping, metabolic activity assessment (MTT assay), evaluation of cell attachment and morphology (scanning electron microscopy, SEM), cell migration analysis (wound-healing assay), cytoskeletal organization (phalloidin staining), proinflammatory cytokine release (IL-6 and IL-8, via ELISA), expression of differentiation markers (RT-qPCR), and assessment of cellular mineralization (Alizarin Red S staining). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS: The metabolic activity assay demonstrated that cell viability increased over time with the use of bioceramic sealers.These sealers also promoted remarkable cell confluence and a higher number of focal adhesion complexes, as evidenced by the phalloidin assay. Furthermore, they demonstrated enhanced cell adhesion and anti-inflammatory effects compared to the negative control group (untreated cells), with the latter effect being more pronounced in the case of TotalFill BC Sealer. NS Flo, followed by NS EZ Flo, were the bioceramic sealers that most significantly promoted mineralized nodule formation, comparable to the positive control (Osteodiff), thus contributing to osteogenic and cementogenic differentiation.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that all the bioceramic sealers investigated exhibit adequate cytocompatibility. NS Flo and NS EZ Flo demonstrate a strong ability to induce differentiation of hPDLSCs into osteogenic and cementogenic phenotypes. NS Flo significantly supports extracellular matrix mineralization. However, TFbc had a less substantial impact on these processes than the sealers. The effect was comparable during the first three days but decreased thereafter. In addition, the calcium silicate-containing sealers investigated exhibited relevant anti-inflammatory effects, offering potential therapeutic benefits in the field of regenerative endodontics.

PMID:41168012 | DOI:10.1016/j.dental.2025.10.011

J Pediatr Nurs. 2025 Oct 29:S0882-5963(25)00365-3. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2025.10.020. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the effect of kangaroo care on vital signs in infants undergoing cardiac surgery.

DESIGN AND METHODS: This randomized controlled study was conducted in the pediatrics cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit of a training research hospital between December 2023 and March 2024. The sample consisted of 60 infants who had undergone cardiac surgery, with 30 assigned to the experimental group and 30 to the control group. The experimental group received kangaroo care during the procedure. Data was collected via the Descriptive Information Form about sample characteristics and the Vital Signs and Pain Recording Form. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, independent sample t-tests, ANOVA, and mixed effect model variance analysis. The study was recorded in the Clinicaltrials.gov PRS system.

RESULTS: The mixed-method comparison showed a high level of significance in the intervention group regarding heart rate and respiratory rate reductions, pain score reduction, and increased peripheral saturation levels in both time and group measurements (p < 0.001). Additionally, the decrease in systolic blood pressure in the intervention group was significant in the group measurements (p < 0.001), whereas time-based comparisons showed no significant changes in diastolic blood pressure (p > 0.05). Comparison of changes in pre-test and post-test vital signs between the intervention and control groups were significant, except for diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that post-surgical kangaroo care in infants undergoing cardiac surgery reduced heart rate, systolic arterial pressure, and respiratory rate, while increasing peripheral saturation levels and decreasing pain scores.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The integration of kangaroo care into post-cardiac surgery care practices may lead to improvements in infants’ vital signs and promote relaxation through mother-infant skin-to-skin contact. This, in turn, could potentially enhance family-centered care practices in cardiac surgery units, and, in the future, improve the quality of care outcomes for both mothers and infants.

PMID:41168010 | DOI:10.1016/j.pedn.2025.10.020

Transplant Proc. 2025 Oct 30:S0041-1345(25)00517-2. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2025.10.025. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There is a need to improve knowledge of the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the post-heart transplantation (HTx) period and the factors affecting it. This qualitative study aimed to identify the most important domains of HRQoL for heart transplant recipients and the factors that impact it.

METHODS: This was a qualitative study across 5 geographically diverse large HTx centers in France from July 2022 to January 2023. We gathered a purposive sample of individuals who had undergone HTx. A face-to-face semi-structured interview guide was used for individual interviews. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim.

RESULTS: A total of 14 individuals (10 men) were interviewed. The data analysis led to the development of 8 main themes (with sub-themes) that were relevant to participants: HRQoL perception (mental health, physical capacity, symptoms and comorbidities), participants’ experience during the HTx process, immunosuppressive treatments, relationship with the healthcare team, external and internal resources, socio-economic aspects and feelings about the donor. Recipients, spontaneously made connections between these themes.

CONCLUSIONS: Heart transplant recipients had diverse perceptions of their HRQoL in the post-HTx period. The rich variety of themes identified from the review highlights that recipients have a complex HRQoL profile which is not currently captured by standard HRQoL tools that are commonly employed. These aspects should be taken into account in the clinical follow-up and in the selection of the most appropriate Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs).

PMID:41168008 | DOI:10.1016/j.transproceed.2025.10.025

J Natl Med Assoc. 2025 Oct 29:S0027-9684(25)00329-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jnma.2025.10.002. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Early childhood developmental assessment is a continuous process that involves observing, collecting, recording, and analyzing information about young children. This helps educators and health professionals evaluate the children’s growth and development their instruction accordingly. However, there are limited standardized assessment tools that are widely adopted. The goal of this study was to explore how health professionals at public health institutions assess developmental milestones in early childhood METHODS: The study used an institution-based cross-sectional design. 356 study participants from public health facilities were selected by using a simple random sampling technique. Questionnaires and observational checklists were employed to evaluate the practice and related elements. An SPSS version 27 program was used to clean, code, and enter the data after it had been verified as consistent and complete. The binary logistic regression model was used to analyze bivariate and multivariable and the model fitness was checked. The p-value was <0.05, indicating a significant association. Lastly, texts, tables, and graphs are used to present the results.

RESULTS: Only 33.8 % of health professionals had good practice with early childhood developmental milestone assessment. Professions (Physicians and Health officers), training, standardized assessment tools available and supervision were factors that significantly related to good practices.

CONCLUSION: Assessment of the practice of developmental milestones assessment in early childhood was still done poorly. Standardized assessment tools available, training, supportive supervision, and the type of types of profession (physician or health officer) were all statistically significant determinants. As a result, providing health workers with training, carrying out ongoing supporting supervision, and making standardized assessment tools are crucial.

PMID:41168007 | DOI:10.1016/j.jnma.2025.10.002

Zhongguo Xue Xi Chong Bing Fang Zhi Za Zhi. 2025 Jun 20;37(4):346-354. doi: 10.16250/j.32.1915.2025056.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of inquiry examinations for diagnosis of taeniasis in field investigations, so as to provide insights into improving the efficiency and accuracy of taeniasis control programmes.

METHODS: Four taeniasis-endemic villages were sampled in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province in October 2023 as survey sites, and at least 305 permanent residents at ages of over 3 years were randomly sampled from each site. Face-to-face inquiries were performed with structured questionnaires to investigate participants’ history and frequency of proglottids release during the past year, consumption of raw or undercooked meat products or pork liver during the past six months, history and time of deworming. Participants’ stool samples were collected, and Taenia eggs were detected in stool samples using Kato-Katz technique (two slides of one stool sample). Egg-positive individuals or participants with a history of proglottids release during the past year were given diagnostic deworming with areca nuts and pumpkin seeds. The detection of Taenia eggs using Kato-Katz technique and release of Taenia worms or proglottids following diagnostic deworming served as a gold standard to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of inquiry examinations for taeniasis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of inquiry examinations for diagnosis of taeniasis were plotted, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. In addition, Taenia worms or proglottids released following diagnostic deworming were subjected to multiplex PCR assay and Sanger sequencing for species identification.

RESULTS: A total of 1 842 participants were included, and 1 842 valid questionnaires were recovered. A total of 1 533 stool samples were collected, among which 25 egg-positives were identified. Questionnaire surveys showed that 1 305 respondents had consumed raw or undercooked meat products during the past six months, and 42 respondents had a history of proglottids release during the past year. Diagnostic deworming was given to the aforementioned 25 egg-positive individuals and 42 participants who self-reported a history of proglottids release during the past year, and 33 participants had a release of complete worms. Following exclusion of records of individuals receiving deworming during the past 3 months, during the past year, and all participants with a history of deworming, the AUCs were 0.767 (Z = 4.71, P < 0.001), 0.762 (Z = 4.51, P < 0.001), and 0.762 (Z = 4.52, P < 0.001) for diagnosis of Taenia infections with “self-reported history of proglottids release during the past year”, respectively, and pairwise comparisons showed no statistically significant differences (D values, -0.01 to 0.33; all P values > 0.05). Following exclusion of records of individuals receiving deworming during the past 3 months, during the past year, and all participants with a history of deworming, the AUCs were 0.797 (Z = 4.71, P < 0.001), 0.835 (Z = 4.17, P < 0.001), and 0.847 (Z = 3.98, P < 0.001) for diagnosis of Taenia infections with “self-reported history of twice proglottids releases”, respectively, and pairwise comparisons showed no statistically significant differences (D values, -0.43 to -0.10; all P values > 0.05). Following exclusion of records of all individuals receiving deworming, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of “self – reported history of twice proglottids releases” were 87.50% and 81.82%, respectively. Following exclusion of records of individuals receiving deworming at different intervals, the AUCs were 0.529 to 0.532 for diagnosis of Taenia infections with “self-reported consumption of raw or undercooked meat products or pork liver during the past 6 months” (all P values > 0.05). Among 33 individuals with releases of complete Taenia worms, 31 individuals were identified with T. asiatica infections (93.94%), with a mean worm burden of (1.39 ± 0.72) worms/person, and 2 were identified with T. saginata infections (6.06%), with one worm in each participant.

CONCLUSIONS: A history of Taenia proglottids release during the past year as revealed by inquiry examinations exhibit a diagnostic value for taeniasis and may serve as an initial screening tool for field taeniasis screening. Increasing the frequency of Taenia proglottids release during inquiry examinations and exclusion of records of individuals receiving deworming during the analysis may improve the value for diagnosis of taeniasis.

PMID:41167941 | DOI:10.16250/j.32.1915.2025056

Anal Chim Acta. 2025 Dec 15;1379:344738. doi: 10.1016/j.aca.2025.344738. Epub 2025 Oct 3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The determination of non-metallic inclusion with varying chemical compositions and microstructure in metal materials is helpful for improvement and development of internal quality and property. The recently proposed laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) method can rapidly identify simple diatomic inclusions and determine inclusion equivalent diameter. However, due to the lack of steel-matrix inclusion standard samples, the LIBS scanning measurements typically combined with scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS) and statistical methods, which makes this method unable to conduct independent measurements.

RESULTS: In this paper, we propose a LIBS precision-targeted analysis methodology for multimodal characterization of chemical composition and microstructure for inclusions. A three-dimensional high-precision motion platform system and a microscopic imaging system were developed and constructed on the LIBS detection platform to achieve precise targeted positioning and measurement. The experimental conditions, including the relative distance between the microscope and LIBS, and the excitation mode of inclusions, were systematically optimized to improve the spectral quality and detection limits of LIBS precision-targeted analysis. More importantly, for the identification and quantitative analysis of complex and varied inclusions composed of varying element contents, univariate steel-matrix standard samples with controlled inclusions were designed and prepared. The concentration-spectral intensity calibration curves for Mn, Al, Ca, Mg, Ti, and Si elements were established, and the results were validated by conducting SEM-EDS.

SIGNIFICANCE: This new method overcomes shortcomings of LIBS undirected scanning, significantly improving analytical efficiency and throughput, while opening the way for the high-throughput characterization of non-metallic inclusions in large-sized samples. This technique provided an effective means for the complex inclusion composition identification and cleanness process evaluation of metal material samples and thus for research and improvement of material property.

PMID:41167899 | DOI:10.1016/j.aca.2025.344738

Anal Chim Acta. 2025 Dec 15;1379:344732. doi: 10.1016/j.aca.2025.344732. Epub 2025 Oct 2.

ABSTRACT

Silver is a precious metal, and high-purity silver is widely used in electronic, optical, and reference material applications, where even trace amounts of impurities can critically impact performance and accuracy. Quantifying trace elements such as Cu, Pb, Fe, and others in high-purity silver poses analytical challenges due to the potential matrix effects and the need for accurate calibration strategies. The trace impurities, Cu, Fe, and Pb in high-purity silver samples were quantified using the standard addition (SAM) and the matrix-matched external standard method (MMESM) using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and their results are compared. The research also includes a comprehensive uncertainty evaluation associated with each method. Validating parameters like LOD (Limit of Detection), LOQ (Limit of Quantification), working range, accuracy, and precision are also discussed in detail in the manuscript. The results obtained from both the calibration approaches were found to be comparable. Both methods were found to have the ability to account for the matrix effect. The recovery found for the results indicates that both methods provide reliable quantification. The two-way ANOVA results demonstrate that both emission lines and matrix concentrations yield statistically comparable results for copper, iron, and lead determination by SAM & MMESM. Two extra emission lines for copper and one for iron estimation were observed and are reported here. Also, the results for both SAM and MMESM with and without internal standard correction were quantified, and the results were almost the same. Thus, this work provides a comprehensive understanding of trace element analysis in silver, which can also be extended to other metals for trace element analysis.

PMID:41167894 | DOI:10.1016/j.aca.2025.344732

Anal Chim Acta. 2025 Dec 15;1379:344751. doi: 10.1016/j.aca.2025.344751. Epub 2025 Oct 6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Exposome research has expanded rapidly in recent years, driven by advances in analytical techniques such as liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS), which enable broad and sensitive chemical coverage. Targeted methods focus on known compounds, while untargeted metabolomic approaches provide a more holistic view and may reveal exposure biomarkers, but they are not specifically designed to detect exogenous chemicals. Identifying relevant exposure markers within the vast and complex datasets generated by untargeted LC-HRMS data remains a significant analytical and computational challenge, requiring innovative data mining strategies.

RESULTS: We developed a novel untargeted data mining strategy to extract exogenous chemical signatures from complex LC-HRMS datasets. The approach integrates isotopic signature enrichment (ISE), biotransformation-informed feature selection and an “exposure rate” metric. When applied to meconium data from the EDEN cohort, the strategy led to a six-fold reduction in the number of features by retaining only those exhibiting valid carbon isotope patterns. Mass defect plots revealed signatures of suspect monohalogenated species and putative conjugated and non-conjugated metabolites in a specific region. Incorporating ISE results into the chemical formula prediction significantly reduced the number of candidates, improving annotation efficiency. In utero exposure to xenobiotics was supported by the detection of known exposure markers such as acetaminophen, caffeine and nicotine. These results demonstrate the method’s potential to uncover exposomic signals in complex biological matrices.

SIGNIFICANCE: This study presents a novel data mining strategy that reduces the complexity of untargeted LC-HRMS data by retaining chemically reliable features based on isotopic signatures. As a proof of concept, this strategy enables the detection of specific chemical signatures and exogenous compounds without prior knowledge. Its adaptability to various biological matrices and its compatibility with different high-resolution mass spectrometry platforms make this strategy a valuable tool for exposome research and early-life exposure assessment.

PMID:41167878 | DOI:10.1016/j.aca.2025.344751

Anal Chem. 2025 Oct 30. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5c03399. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Effective monitoring of microcystin (MC)-LR toxin produced by blue-green algae is of great importance for water pollution and human health. Herein, a field-deployable (FiDe) photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensor based on nitrogen vacancy-engineered Fe₂O₃@g-C₃N₄-6N_v was proposed for the sensitive and reliable detection of MC-LR. A critical insight was elucidated on atomic-level altered Fe-O/N coordination for an oriented built-in electric field in the composite, which thereby established a Z-scheme charge transfer for enhanced PEC responses. A thiolated aptamer, stably immobilized via Fe-S bonding, enabled specific MC-LR recognition with exceptional resilience. Synergistic integration of a defect-tailored Fe-N heterojunction and Fe-S aptamer immobilization precisely controlled interfacial charge dynamics through concentration-dependent target recognition, where MC-LR binding inhibited Fe-S/Fe-N electron transport to weaken PEC signals. Coupled with an in-house developed FiDe PEC device, the platform exhibited a log-linear detection range from 0.1 to 10000 ng·L^-1 with a detection limit of 0.034 ng·L^-1, significantly below the WHO safety threshold (1 μg·L^-1). It demonstrated exceptional robustness, pH tolerance, storage stability, and selectivity against MC-YR/RR/LA. Field validation across six representative sites along a small watershed of the Yangtze River Basin was conducted in complex matrices, with Bland-Altman analysis confirming statistical equivalence to HPLC. This work not only pioneers a defect-aptamer coengineering strategy to reconfigure Z-scheme charge dynamics but also develops a FiDe PEC device enabling on-site accurate quantification of MC-LR, ultimately empowering proactive water quality management and public health protection.

PMID:41167817 | DOI:10.1021/acs.analchem.5c03399

Inj Prev. 2025 Oct 30:ip-2025-045766. doi: 10.1136/ip-2025-045766. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Motorcycle injuries are a major cause of death in Cameroon and the burden is on the rise. Low personal protective equipment (PPE) use, especially helmets, exacerbates the burden.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated PPE uptake and determinants among motorcyclists in the crisis-affected Limbe and Tiko Health Districts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 499 commercial motorcyclists aged 18 years and above in all 16 health areas of the Limbe and Tiko Health Districts, Cameroon. Participants were recruited through consecutive sampling at motorcycle pick-up points after obtaining ethical clearance from the University of Buea. Trained research assistants used structured questionnaires to collect data on sociodemographics, riding habits and determinants of PPE uptake. An observational checklist was used to collect data on helmet use. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression to identify factors influencing helmet use among the riders.

RESULTS: The mean age of the motorcyclists was 32.2 (and the SD was 7.6) years. A total of 242 (48.5%) were within the age range 21-30 years and all the riders were males.The majority of riders were single, 261 (52.3%) and 291 (58.3%) had attended secondary school. The proportion of riders who reported not having a valid motorcycle licence was 339 (67.9%).Among the 499 riders studied, 81.8% used long trousers, 30.1% used boots and 28.6% used helmets. Only 22.7% used gloves and 14.8% used eye glasses. Factors independently associated with helmet use were being married (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.81, 95% CI 0.34 to 7.42, p<0.005), owning a valid license (aOR 1.97, 95% CI 1.22 to 3.19, p=0.006) and being an internally displaced person (aOR 0.83, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.84, p=0.007). Also, having good knowledge of PPE (aOR 3.01, 95% CI 1.60 to 5.65, p=0.001) and being trained on PPE (aOR 2.48, 95% CI 1.61 to 3.84, p=0.000) were significant factors.

CONCLUSIONS: The uptake of PPE is low, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve PPE uptake among commercial motorcyclists. The identified determinants of helmet use can inform evidence-based strategies to enhance road safety and reduce the burden of motorcycle-related injuries in this at-risk population.

PMID:41167805 | DOI:10.1136/ip-2025-045766