Nevin Manimala

Parasit Vectors. 2025 Dec 12. doi: 10.1186/s13071-025-07193-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti are key vectors involved in the transmission of human pathogens worldwide. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated varying levels of arbovirus transmission by these mosquito vectors, leading to an increasing number of investigations that assess vector competence (the ability of an insect to become infected and subsequently transmit a pathogen) of Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti lines, to decipher the risks associated with each species. In this study, we evaluated the vector competence of Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti lines from the Southwestern Indian Ocean (SWIO) for three arboviruses: Zika virus (ZIKV), dengue virus serotype-1 (DENV-1), and chikungunya virus (CHIKV).

METHODS: Ten mosquito lines (eight Ae. albopictus and two Ae. aegypti lines), collected from five islands within SWIO (the Seychelles, the Comoros, and the Mascarene archipelagoes), were exposed to epidemic strains of ZIKV, DENV-1, and CHIKV. Three vector competence parameters (infection rate [IR], dissemination efficiency [DE], and transmission efficiency [TE]) were assessed at different days post exposure (dpe) to infectious blood meals, using plaque forming unit (PFU) assays. In addition, viral loads were quantified in positive saliva. These parameters were then compared between mosquito lines, geographic origins, and dpe for each virus.

RESULTS: None of the mosquito lines were competent for the ZIKV strain tested. In contrast, both Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti lines were competent vectors for the strains of DENV-1 and CHIKV tested, with transmission efficiencies reaching 35.4% for DENV-1 and 62.5% for CHIKV. For both mosquito species, statistical analyses revealed that dpe significantly influenced vector competence parameters, whereas the geographic origin of mosquito lines did not.

CONCLUSIONS: The observed vector competence patterns for the three tested viruses might partly explain their current epidemiology in the SWIO. This approach should involve a larger number of Ae. aegypti lines and should be extended to other ZIKV, DENV, and CHIKV strains, as well as to viruses not currently reported in the region, to better assess the risk of (re-)emergence of mosquito-borne viruses in the SWIO.

PMID:41387904 | DOI:10.1186/s13071-025-07193-0

BMC Res Notes. 2025 Dec 12. doi: 10.1186/s13104-025-07613-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the reliability of the malaria rapid diagnostic test (mRDT) kit for detecting Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (PfHRP2) in dried blood spot samples preserved under different conditions and durations.

RESULTS: Sixty whole blood samples (approx. 750 mL), which contained the PfHRP2 protein, were collected from patients with uncomplicated malaria. Fifteen dried blood samples (DBS) were made from each sample, making a total of 900 DBS. A set of five DBS each were stored at room temperature (25 °C), 6 °C and – 60 °C, for 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days. PfHRP2 was detected in each stored DBS sample. Irrespective of sample storage conditions, PfHRP2 was reproducible from day 30 to 120. However, after storage for 150 days, the positivity rate reduced to 90%, 88.3% and 80% (p = 0.236) when samples were stored at room temperature, 6 °C and – 60 °C, respectively. Although the positivity rates were statistically similar, room temperature offers a cost-effective, equipment-free, and reliable method for preserving PfHRP2 for up to 120 days.

PMID:41387898 | DOI:10.1186/s13104-025-07613-5

Infect Agent Cancer. 2025 Dec 12. doi: 10.1186/s13027-025-00715-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The complex interplay between parasites and cancer is yielding promising advances in the field of cancer therapeutics. This study explored the in vitro anti-cancer potential of parasite immunomodulators (antigens and antibodies) of Schistosoma mansoni, Trichinella spiralis, and Toxoplasma gondii on human HT-29 colorectal and HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells using the MTT assay. Results revealed that those parasites’ immunomodulators exhibited antineoplastic activity and demonstrated a statistically significant inhibition of both cancer cell lines’ proliferation (P ˂0.05). Notably, Trichinella spiralis antigens and antibodies and anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies demonstrated the most statistically significant inhibitory effects on HT-29 colorectal cancer cells (36.65%, 49.9% and 50.43% respectively). For HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells, Trichinella spiralis antigens and antibodies, as well as Toxoplasma gondii antigen, displayed the most statistically significant inhibitory effects (38.27%, 48.25% and 34.68% respectively). Interestingly, parasitic antibodies are particularly noteworthy, exhibiting the most significant inhibitory effects on both cancer cell lines. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the antineoplastic activity of parasites’ antibodies against human colorectal cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. These findings could enlighten the path for promising cancer therapeutic candidates. Future research should explore the antineoplastic potential of a broader range of parasites’ immunomodulators and identify their mechanisms of action. This could represent a qualitative shift towards the development of innovative cancer therapeutic antibodies and cancer vaccine candidates of parasitic origin for cancer-targeted immunotherapy.

PMID:41387891 | DOI:10.1186/s13027-025-00715-6

J Orthop Surg Res. 2025 Dec 12. doi: 10.1186/s13018-025-06526-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis is a highly prevalent and painful joint disorder with limited long-term treatment options. Intra-articular corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid offer only short-term relief and may have safety concerns. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and safety of a single intra-articular injection of 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel in individuals with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis.

METHODS: This prospective, multicentre, open-label, single-arm clinical study enrolled 49 participants who received a single 6 mL intra-articular injection of 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel. After 1 year, 35 participants entered an extension study with yearly assessments up to 5 years post treatment. The primary outcomes for the extension phase included changes from baseline in WOMAC subscales (pain, stiffness, physical function) and Patient Global Assessment (PGA). Safety was evaluated through the incidence of adverse events. Statistical analyses included a mixed model for repeated measures and sensitivity analyses using ANCOVA and baseline observation carried forward.

RESULTS: Of the 49 participants, 27 completed the five-year follow-up. Statistically significant improvements from baseline were observed in WOMAC pain (-14.6; 95% CI: -21.4 to -7.7; p = 0.0002), stiffness (-19.6; 95% CI: -29.9 to -9.3; p = 0.0006), physical function (-12.5; 95% CI: -19.8 to -5.2; p = 0.0015), and PGA (-13.4; 95% CI: -23.3 to -3.5; p = 0.0100). These improvements were sustained throughout the five-year period. A total of 47 adverse events were reported in the extension study, with no serious events attributed to the investigational device. No new adverse device effects were reported in the extension study.

CONCLUSIONS: A single intra-articular injection of 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel demonstrated sustained improvements in WOMAC pain, stiffness, physical function, and PGA for up to five years, with a favourable safety profile. These findings support its potential as a long-term treatment option for knee osteoarthritis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04179552.

PMID:41387884 | DOI:10.1186/s13018-025-06526-0

Malar J. 2025 Dec 13. doi: 10.1186/s12936-025-05720-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Despite the eradication of malaria as a locally transmitted disease in Spain, the incidence of imported cases continues to rise, with Plasmodium falciparum representing the majority of infections. Prompt access to effective antimalarial treatment, particularly artemisinin-based therapies, is crucial to prevent severe outcomes. However, the unguaranteed and irregular availability of these drugs poses a potential threat to patient management. The objective of this study was to evaluate the availability of antimalarial drugs and their procurement times in Spanish hospitals.

METHODS: A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted between September 2023 and January 2024. Hospital pharmacists were invited via the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy to report on antimalarial stock levels and procurement times. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, stratified by hospital size and the presence of malaria treatment protocols.

RESULTS: A total of 46 hospitals participated. Intravenous artesunate, the first-line treatment for severe malaria, was stocked in 74% of hospitals, but only 60% could acquire it within 24 h on weekdays if not already in stock or more doses were required. Availability was higher and acquisition times were shorter in large hospitals (> 500 beds) and in institutions with established protocols for malaria treatment. Artemisinin-based combinations, such as piperaquine-dihydroartemisinin, and atovaquone-proguanil were more accessible, but weekend acquisition remained limited.

CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights substantial variability and critical delays in antimalarial drug availability across Spanish hospitals. Enhancing access requires national stockpiling strategies, broader implementation of standardized treatment protocols, and improved procurement systems. These measures are vital to ensure timely treatment and reduce morbidity associated with imported malaria.

PMID:41387872 | DOI:10.1186/s12936-025-05720-z

BMC Health Serv Res. 2025 Dec 12. doi: 10.1186/s12913-025-13867-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Obesity remains a major and growing public health challenge in Malaysia. This study examined obesity-related perceptions, attitudes, and care practices among Malaysian healthcare professionals (HCP) and decision-makers (HDM), within the multinational Obesity Policy Engagement Network (OPEN) Models of Care survey.

METHODS: This subgroup analysis involved 150 HCP and 53 HDM who responded to questions assessing recognition of obesity as a chronic disease, attitudes toward people with obesity (PwO), and views on system capacity and policy priorities. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and reported as percentages.

RESULTS: Only 27% (n = 55) of respondents recognized obesity as a chronic disease. Notably, 54% of HCP and 51% of HDM acknowledged holding biases against PwO. Although 65% of HCP and 60% of HDM agreed that PwO deserve equal respect, care, and treatment, over half of both groups believed obesity to be the patients’ personal choice and responsibility. Only 56% of HCP and 45% of HDM considered existing obesity services to be adequate. Patient support groups were ranked least important in obesity policy development.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight persistent misconceptions, stigma, and fragmented perceptions among HCP and HDM in Malaysia. A coordinated, system-level approach that recognizes obesity as a chronic disease is essential to improving outcomes for PwO and shaping inclusive, evidence-based policies.

PMID:41387867 | DOI:10.1186/s12913-025-13867-3

BMC Nurs. 2025 Dec 12. doi: 10.1186/s12912-025-04215-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), require long-term, multidisciplinary care. Within this model, the nurse-patient relationship is essential, yet little is known about mutuality-defined as shared trust, collaboration, and reciprocity. This study assessed nurse-patient mutuality in IBD using the Nurse-Patient Mutuality in Chronic Illness (NPM-CI) scale.

METHODS: A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted in Italian IBD centers. Adult outpatients with confirmed IBD completed the NPM-CI patient version, a 20-item validated tool assessing three dimensions: developing and going beyond, being a point of reference, and deciding and sharing care. Descriptive statistics were used.

RESULTS: Among 453 patients, 449 (94%) completed the NPM-CI. The mean total score was high (81.2 ± 13.3). UC patients reported higher scores than CD patients. The highest-rated items concerned respect for privacy and attention to well-being, while lower scores reflected limited emotional sharing and clarification of information from other professionals.

CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to evaluate nurse-patient mutuality in IBD using a validated tool. Findings highlight the central role of IBD nurses in building therapeutic relationships. Enhancing emotional communication and shared decision-making could further strengthen mutuality and improve care outcomes.

PMID:41387861 | DOI:10.1186/s12912-025-04215-1

JMIR Res Protoc. 2025 Dec 12;14:e67193. doi: 10.2196/67193.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Globally, around 800,000 people die by suicide annually, with 77% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Suicidal ideation, frequently observed among adolescents, is directly linked to suicide attempts. Pakistan has witnessed a marked escalation in suicide rates in recent years, with Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) reporting the highest incidence. Extensive research indicates that tailored suicide prevention strategies can mitigate suicidal ideation, attempts, and related fatalities.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to validate and evaluate the efficacy of suicide prevention programs, RAAHI (the guide) and safeTALK, tailored to the cultural and social context of GB, Pakistan, in preventing suicidal ideation and improving the mental well-being of school-going adolescents.

METHODS: The investigation will assess the efficacy of the RAAHI intervention among 267 adolescents across 4 private schools in GB using an interrupted time-series design with a pre-post test framework. The first intervention, RAAHI, a suicide literacy module, is designed to empower participants with the knowledge and skills to recognize signs of suicidal ideation, engage them empathetically, and connect individuals in crisis with appropriate support. The second intervention, safeTALK, a 4-hour educational workshop, incorporates presentations, videos, discussions, and interactive sessions to teach participants the tell, ask, listen, and keep safe steps. Outcome measures include changes in knowledge, confidence, willingness to intervene, and help-seeking behaviors, analyzed using descriptive statistics, 2-tailed paired t tests, and ANOVA. Ethics approval was granted by the Aga Khan University Ethics Review Committee (2023-8509-24844).

RESULTS: As of April 2025, 267 participants have been recruited from 2 of the 4 schools; data collection commenced in March 2025 and is projected to conclude in August 2025. Final results are expected to be published by February 2026.

CONCLUSIONS: This study will offer critical insights into the adaptation and effectiveness of the RAAHI suicide prevention intervention in a low-resource, culturally specific setting. The findings are anticipated to inform scalable suicide prevention initiatives in school settings across Pakistan and similar low- and middle-income contexts, ultimately contributing to reduced suicidal ideation and attempts among adolescents.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/67193.

PMID:41385277 | DOI:10.2196/67193

Eur J Ophthalmol. 2025 Dec 12:11206721251406426. doi: 10.1177/11206721251406426. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PurposeThis study aimed to develop a reproducible manual segmentation method using a computer-assisted technique and to (1) compare extraocular muscle volumes between TED patients and healthy controls and (2) assess the intra- and inter-observer reliability of this method.MethodsA retrospective study of MRI scans was performed on 13 patients previously diagnosed with TED and 16 healthy controls. Image segmentation and the derived muscle volume measurements were performed by two independent observers using the software 3D slicer. The groups compared muscle volumes, and intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was assessed.ResultsA statistically significant difference in muscle volume was demonstrated; the mean medial and lateral recti volumes in the TED group were 1342.75 and 1066.7 mm³, respectively, compared to 787.67 and 764.3 mm³ in the control group. The segmentation protocol appears to have good inter-observer reliability. The intraclass correlation coefficient was good for inter-observer measures of the medial recti and intra-observer measures of both horizontal recti.ConclusionThis volumetric analysis verifies that structural MRI contains useful information regarding muscle volume in patients with TED compared to healthy controls. Building a dataset of segmented MRI volumes will help facilitate the creation of supervised machine-learning models for automated volumetric analysis of the extraocular muscles.

PMID:41385270 | DOI:10.1177/11206721251406426

Med Care. 2026 Jan 1;64(2S Suppl 2):S149-S154. doi: 10.1097/MLR.0000000000002212. Epub 2025 Sep 15.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Gulf War illness is a chronic multisymptom illness impacting Veterans of the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf War. Toxic exposures are believed to be associated with the condition, but little is known about how multiple types of exposures can impact the disease. The aim of this study is to determine if a positive association exists between the multiplicity of exposure types and symptom severity score.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey design was used in which Persian Gulf Veterans completed a questionnaire with items related to symptom severity and types of self-reported toxic exposures. Linear regression models were used to examine the association between the number of types of toxic exposures and symptom severity scores. We also examined the association between each type of reported exposure and symptom severity score.

RESULTS: Veterans with a greater number of self-reported toxic exposures reported higher scores on symptom severity. While no individual exposure type reached a statistically significant association with symptom score, radiation and biological agent exposures showed the strongest association.

DISCUSSION: We found a positive association between the number of toxic exposure types and total symptom severity. Veterans who self-reported having Gulf War Illness also reported more types of toxic exposures compared with Veterans who did not report having Gulf War Illness. Radiation and biological agent exposure showed the strongest positive association with symptom scores, yet very few Veterans reported isolated exposure of these types. Our findings suggest that cumulative exposure to multiple types of toxins could be associated with the development and severity of Gulf War Illness symptoms.

PMID:41385260 | DOI:10.1097/MLR.0000000000002212