Nevin Manimala

Res Rep Health Eff Inst. 2025 Feb;(223):1-88.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: In the United States, billions of dollars have been spent implementing interventions to reduce traffic-related air pollution (TRAP). These interventions are usually regulatory actions focused on reducing tailpipe emissions. However, they also include local programs to reduce traffic congestion and excess vehicle emissions, such as electronic tolls and roadway capacity improvements. Few health studies have empirically evaluated the direct impact of air pollution exposure reductions from these emission regulations and congestion reduction programs; no studies have examined infant health, an important population health outcome linked to air pollution exposures.

OBJECTIVE: Assess changes in birth outcomes for all recorded births in Texas from 1996 to 2016 associated with (1) long-term cumulative regulatory improvements of motor vehicle emissions and resulting TRAP change and (2) local congestion reduction programs that may yield localized TRAP changes over shorter time periods.

METHODS: We used Vital Statistics data in Texas from 1996 to 2016 (n = 8.1 million recorded births; n = 6,158,518 births analyzed after exclusions). We calculated diverse traffic-related exposure measures using residential addresses at the time of delivery. We implemented research triangulation methods using different study design and analysis approaches to test our primary hypotheses on the effects of long-term cumulative regulatory improvements and local congestion reduction programs on birth outcomes.

RESULTS: Traffic-related exposure measures (nitrogen dioxide [NO₂] air pollution, traffic volume, congestion) were consistently associated with adverse birth outcomes over the 20-year study period. This finding is supported by an analysis of pregnant individuals living upwind versus downwind of the same major road, where living downwind within 500 m was associated with an 11.6-g decrease (95% CI: -18.01, -5.21) in term birth weight. For all pregnant individuals, NO₂ exposures decreased 59% from 1996 to 2016, while the total vehicle miles traveled (VMT) within 500 m of residential addresses (VMT_500m) remained relatively stable. We observed marked differences in TRAP exposure for pregnant individuals by sociodemographic characteristics. While levels of air pollution disparities reduced in absolute terms over the 20 years, relative disparities persisted, and large differences in traffic levels remained. The magnitude of associations between VMT_500m and adverse birth outcomes decreased for term low birth weight (-60%, OR in 1996: 1.08, OR in 2016: 1.03 for the highest vs. lowest quintile) and preterm (-65%) and very preterm (-61%) births, but not for term birth weight. A direct analysis of congestion exposure for 2015-2016 births, measured for all roadways in Texas using connected device data, showed that congestion was associated with decreased term birth weight, background traffic, and TRAP levels. When we examined local projects designed to reduce congestion as a natural experiment and applied a difference-in-differences (DiD) study design, we found little evidence that the implementation of tolling projects was associated with improved birth outcomes. For roadway construction projects, we observed increased congestion during construction and decreased congestion post-construction. This dynamic translated into increased odds of term low birth weight (OR 1.19; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.36) for pregnant individuals living within 300 m during construction but no consistent improvements in birth outcomes post-construction.

CONCLUSIONS: TRAP is an important environmental health and justice issue that affects pregnancy. Our results provide some evidence supporting that cleaning up the vehicle fleet was more impactful at decreasing adverse pregnancy outcomes than local programs aimed at reducing congestion.

PMID:40191931

Int J Surg. 2025 Apr 4. doi: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000002374. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the Advanced Lung Cancer Inflammation Index (ALI) and all-cause mortality in patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis and Metabolic-Associated Alcoholic Liver Disease and other combination etiology of steatosis (MASLD/MetALD & Mixed Etiology Steatosis) is not well-understood. Current evidence is insufficient to establish this association, yet it holds critical importance for healthcare and public health. Research into the link between ALI and all-cause mortality in MASLD/MetALD & Mixed Etiology Steatosis remains a topic of interest.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the association between ALI and all-cause mortality in MASLD/MetALD & Mixed Etiology Steatosis patients, and explored the clinical significance of this association.

METHODS: We conducted a cohort study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2007 and 2018, involving 4502 adult participants with MASLD/MetALD & Mixed Etiology Steatosis in the United States. Data collected included age, sex, race, education, marital status, poverty-to-income ratio, alanine aminotransferase levels, aspartate aminotransferase levels, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, and stroke. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the relationship between ALI and all-cause mortality, with follow-up through 31 December 2019, from the National Center for Health Statistics.

RESULTS: The study found that ALI in patients was significantly negatively associated with the risk of all-cause mortality in U.S. adults with MASLD/MetALD & Mixed Etiology Steatosis. Participants with higher ALI levels had a significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those with lower ALI levels. After full adjustment, moderate ALI levels were associated with a 42% reduced risk (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.41-0.81), and high ALI levels were associated with a 49% reduced risk (HR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.35-0.73) of all-cause mortality. No significant interactions were observed in subgroup analyses (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: This study suggested that high ALI levels are associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality in MASLD/MetALD & Mixed Etiology Steatosis patients. These findings may have important clinical implications for healthcare providers managing MASLD/MetALD & Mixed Etiology Steatosis patients, emphasizing the potential role of ALI as a prognostic marker for all-cause mortality.

PMID:40191909 | DOI:10.1097/JS9.0000000000002374

Neurologist. 2025 Apr 7. doi: 10.1097/NRL.0000000000000625. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) often leads to seizures, potentially worsening prognosis. This study aimed to assess the relationship between specific occlusion sites and seizure occurrence.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 154 patients diagnosed with CVST in 3 major hospitals in Tehran. Medical records detailing sinus involvement, seizure occurrence, and baseline characteristics were reviewed. Statistical analyses included the χ2 or the Fisher exact tests, followed by binomial logistic regression to identify independent predictors. Model performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS: The study included 102 women (66.2%) and 52 men (33.8%), with a mean age of 36.4±10.8 years. A total of 35 patients (22.7%) experienced seizures, predominantly generalized tonic-clonic (85.7%). Superior sagittal sinus (SSS) involvement was strongly associated with seizures (odds ratio=3.056, P=0.006), while left transverse sinus involvement showed a marginally significant inverse relationship in univariate analysis (P=0.027), which became nonsignificant in the multivariate model (P=0.056). Trolard vein thrombosis was rare but associated with a high seizure rate (3/4 cases). The ROC for the final model showed moderate predictive ability (AUC=0.676).

CONCLUSION: SSS thrombosis significantly predicted seizures in Iranian CVST patients. Although rare, trolard vein involvement may carry a substantial seizure risk. These findings underscore the importance of precise imaging and individualized treatment plans for high-risk CVST patients. By illuminating the role of SSS and trolard vein, this study highlights the need for prospective trials to refine clinical decision-making.

PMID:40191892 | DOI:10.1097/NRL.0000000000000625

Arch Esp Urol. 2025 Mar;78(2):170-175. doi: 10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.20257802.24.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Approximately one-third of individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa) experience biochemical recurrence (BCR) following their initial curative therapy. BCR significantly increases the risk of distant metastases and is associated with higher mortality rates, particularly in patients with poor prognostic indicators. This study aims to investigate the strong correlation between positive surgical margins (PSMs) and BCR after radical prostatectomy, offering foundational insights and guidance for predicting patient survival and optimising postoperative intervention strategies.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 498 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy between January 2015 and January 2021 at Ningbo Yinzhou No.2 Hospital. Pathological specimens and medical records were reviewed. Of these, 127 patients with PSMs and 279 patients with negative surgical margins (NSMs) were included in the statistical analysis. The analysis incorporated clinical and pathological parameters, including primary tumour characteristics, PSMs, pathological tumour staging, surgical margin status, Gleason grade group, and other relevant factors, with BCR-free survival as the primary endpoint.

RESULTS: During the follow-up period of this study, 129 cases of BCR were identified among the 406 patients. Of these, 34 cases occurred in patients with PSMs, accounting for approximately 26.8% (34/127), and 95 cases occurred in patients with NSMs, accounting for approximately 34.1% (95/279). The difference in recurrence between the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The median time to BCR was 19.2 months for patients with PSMs, compared to 28.2 months for patients with NSMs, with this difference also reaching statistical significance (p < 0.001). The Gleason grading group in patients with PSMs was a stronger predictor of recurrence than the primary tumour characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS: The presence of PSMs is a significant independent predictor of BCR in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for PCa. Early detection and timely intervention for patients with PSMs are crucial for improving postoperative outcomes.

PMID:40191860 | DOI:10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.20257802.24

Arch Esp Urol. 2025 Mar;78(2):164-169. doi: 10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.20257802.23.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness, safety and outcomes of the combination therapy of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of chronic-phase Peyronie’s disease.

METHODS: The clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed with Peyronie’s disease and treated with Li-ESWT combined with PRP at our clinic between January 2018 and January 2024 were retrospectively reviewed and analysed. Twenty-three patients were excluded based on inclusion criteria, leaving 26 patients for the retrospective analysis. Each patient received three sessions of PRP and six sessions of Li-ESWT. The treatment regimen involved sessions administered twice weekly over a period of 3 weeks, followed by 1-week post-treatment follow-up. The patients were then monitored for 24 weeks.

RESULT: After treatment, no significant reduction in average plaque size was observed. However, a statistically significant average improvement of 10° was noted for penile curvature. Among the patients, 14 (53.8%) reported satisfaction with the treatment outcome, and 12 (46.2%) expressed dissatisfaction. No significant adverse effects were observed at the injection sites or in the areas subjected to Li-ESWT post-procedure.

CONCLUSIONS: The combination of Li-ESWT and PRP is effective and safe for the treatment of chronic-phase Peyronie’s disease.

PMID:40191859 | DOI:10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.20257802.23

Arch Esp Urol. 2025 Mar;78(2):115-120. doi: 10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.20257802.16.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is a common health problem amongst men worldwide. It has a multifactorial ethiology, and in some societies, urinating in a standing position is believed to cause BPH. Although the effect of urination position on voiding parameters has been extensively investigated, whether they have a role in the aetiology of BPH is not known.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The patients who had (n = 89) and had not ever used (n = 213) alpha-blockers were included in the study. All patients were divided into four groups in accordance with their past urination habits: Group 1 (I always pee in a standing position), group 2 (I mostly pee in a standing position), group 3 (I mostly pee in a sitting position) and group 4 (I always pee in a sitting position). The current uroflowmetry results, prostate volumes (PVs) and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of the groups were compared.

RESULTS: The IPSSs of groups 1-4 (total n = 213) who had not used alpha-blockers before were 10 (9-16), 10 (7-14), 10 (7-14) and 10 (8-13) points, respectively; Their median PVs were 40, 35, 40 and 40 mL, respectively; And their average maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) values were 17 (12.7-20.5), 1.46 (11.1-20), 15 (12.4-18.9) and 15.6 (11.7-19.5) mL/s, respectively. No statistical difference was observed between the groups. Alpha-blockers were started in 104 patients who had not used alpha-blockers before in accordance with their clinical results. When these 104 patients who were started on alpha-blockers for the first time and 89 patients who were started on alpha-blockers before were examined together, the average ages of starting alpha-blockers were 59.9 ± 7.1, 60.5 ± 6.7, 59.6 ± 6.5 and 60.8 ± 6.7 years. No statistical difference was observed between the groups. Patients with and without clinical BPH were compared in terms of past urination habits. In both groups, the rates of patients who always or mostly urinated whilst sitting (60%-61%) and those of patients who always or mostly urinated whilst standing (39%-40%) were similar.

CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study showed that positional urination habits do not have a role in the aetiology of BPH. However, multicentre prospective studies with a larger patient population are needed.

PMID:40191852 | DOI:10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.20257802.16

J Res Nurs. 2025 Apr 3:17449871241290435. doi: 10.1177/17449871241290435. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating, chronic neurological disease with diverse symptoms. Fatigue is a major aspect of this, impacting negatively on physical functioning, productivity, general well-being and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

AIM: To expose the relationship between fatigue and HRQoL in this clinical population in Saudi Arabia, supporting the development of comprehensive nursing management regimes.

METHODS: Patients were recruited from out-patient clinics in three Saudi Arabian cities (130 women, 71 men) for a correlational, cross-sectional study. SF-36 Health Survey and Fatigue Severity Scale were used, together with demographic variables. Descriptive analysis, correlation and t-test were applied within IBM Statistics v22.

RESULTS: Mean total Fatigue Severity Scale score was 5.59 (SD 1.18). Mean total Quality of Life score was 43.69 (SD 25.97). Fatigue was the major manifestation of the disease impacting negatively on patients’ quality of life.

CONCLUSION: The findings not only linked fatigue to lower quality of life but also addressed the specific national demographic: an unusual pattern of significantly increasing prevalence, especially among females and young, well-educated populations. Screening this population routinely for fatigue is vital to optimise assessment, care and review of the effectiveness of nursing interventions, ultimately promoting productivity and enhancing HRQoL.

PMID:40191838 | PMC:PMC11969484 | DOI:10.1177/17449871241290435

Commun Earth Environ. 2025;6(1):256. doi: 10.1038/s43247-025-02235-y. Epub 2025 Apr 3.

ABSTRACT

The value of improving longer-lead precipitation forecasting in the water-stressed, semi-arid western United States cannot be overstated, especially considering the severity and frequency of droughts that have plagued the region for much of the 21^st century. Seasonal prediction skill of current operational forecast systems, however, remain insufficient for decision-making purposes across a variety of applications. To address this capability gap, we develop a seasonal forecasting system that leverages the long-term memory of leading global and basin-scale modes of sea surface temperature variability. This approach focuses on characterizing and capitalizing on the spatiotemporal evolution of predictor modes over multiple antecedent seasons, instead of the customary use of predictive information from just the current season. Another distinctive methodological feature is the incorporation of sources of predictability spanning multiple timescales, from interannual to decadal-multidecadal. An evaluation of the forecast system’s performance from cross-validation analyses demonstrates skill over core winter precipitation regions-California, Pacific Northwest, and the Upper Colorado River basin. The developed model exhibits superior skill compared to dynamical and statistical benchmarks in predicting winter precipitation. Experimental seasonal precipitation forecasts from the model have the potential to provide critical situational awareness guidance to stakeholders in the water resources, agriculture, and disaster preparedness communities.

PMID:40191811 | PMC:PMC11968401 | DOI:10.1038/s43247-025-02235-y

Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2025 Apr 1;21:425-440. doi: 10.2147/TCRM.S506037. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is a severe retinal disorder that can lead to vision impairment and potentially blindness. After RRD repair surgery, every vitreoretinal surgeon aims to understand the characteristics of the RRD and to achieve permanent flattening without any recurrence. This study aimed to identify factors predisposing patients to recurrent RRD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted at King Abdullah University Hospital and included all patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy for RRD repair between January 2015 and December 2023. All demographic, clinical, operative, and outcome data were extracted. The primary outcome was to assess the risk factors affecting the recurrence of RRD. The secondary outcome included factors affecting the final status (flat or detached) of the retina. Using proper statistical methods, the results were generated.

RESULTS: The study comprised 348 patients with primary RRD, of whom 44.5% had a previous ocular surgical history. The rate of recurrent RRD was 28.2%. At the last follow-up, 12.6% of the whole patients had persistent retinal detachment without anatomical successful reattachment. Superior-based RRD was the most common type, affecting 145 of 290 patients, and macular involvement in the RRD was observed in 80% of the cases. Recurrent RRD was higher in younger ages, longer duration of symptoms, extensive total type of RRD, involvement of inferior quadrants, detached macula, presence of proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and insufficient prophylactic laser retinopexy (p < 0.05). On multivariate logistic analysis, extensive total RRD, presentation duration, and insufficient prophylactic laser retinopexy were considered as a significant independent factor.

CONCLUSION: Duration of symptoms, involvement of more quadrants, and insufficient laser retinopexy could influence RRD recurrence. These results may coincide with previous literature but provide insights into the newly investigated population. Increasing the awareness of RRD symptoms, identifying high-risk patients, and ensuring prompt surgical intervention may reduce RRD-related complications and decrease the rate of recurrence.

PMID:40191804 | PMC:PMC11971961 | DOI:10.2147/TCRM.S506037

Dent Res J (Isfahan). 2025 Mar 19;22:10. doi: 10.4103/drj.drj_254_24. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Digital smile design (DSD) is a technique that utilizes the scientific methods and advanced software to design patients’ smiles, presenting the visualized smile map directly to the patient. However, patients may not always find the proposed smile satisfactory or feel a sense of alignment with it. To address this concern, dentists have been integrating the tooth shape with the overall facial shape and other parameters to develop a personalized smile plan for each patient.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study employed a descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional research design conducted during the summer and fall of 2022. This research sought to evaluate patient satisfaction levels associated with three distinct DSD techniques: Visagism, Proportional, and Stepwise Comprehensive. A sample of 20 participants, evenly split between males and females, was selected, all of whom were seeking smile design treatment and did not present with skeletal, jaw, facial, or periodontal complications. Interviews were conducted to analyze personality and temperament, and smile maps were created utilizing the Visagism, Stepwise Comprehensive, and Proportional methods. Subsequently, patients evaluated the designs produced by all three methods and completed a satisfaction questionnaire. Nonparametric statistical tests, namely the Kruskal-Wallis test and post hoc Bonferroni tests, were used to examine the research hypotheses at a significance level of 0.05.

RESULTS: The results indicated a high level of satisfaction with all three DSD methods, with no statistically significant differences observed among them. These results suggest that all three approaches effectively met the patients’ expectations and preferences.

CONCLUSION: The outcomes of this study have practical implications for dental professionals engaged in DSD, potentially enhancing patient experiences and treatment outcomes. Further research in this domain may explore the additional factors that could influence patient satisfaction and refine the DSD process.

PMID:40191790 | PMC:PMC11970902 | DOI:10.4103/drj.drj_254_24