Nevin Manimala

Mol Autism. 2025 May 29;16(1):32. doi: 10.1186/s13229-025-00665-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a common developmental disorder, has surged in recent years. Accordingly, the identification and early management of possible risk factors can diminish ASD incidence.

AIM: To determine the prevalence and severity of idiopathic ASD in Egyptian children aged 12 months to 12 years, and to identify the epidemiological, sociodemographic, and environmental risk factors contributing to this disorder.

METHODS: This study comprised 41,640 children from the main eight geographic areas in Egypt. It was conducted through four phases: household screening, facility-based screening for high-risk children, diagnosis confirmation, and risk factor assessment.

RESULTS: The prevalence of ASD as confirmed by the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) was 1.1% (455 out of 41,640), with significant geographic variability. Urban areas had a significantly higher prevalence than rural areas. Children aged 3-6 years showed the highest prevalence at 1.5%. Boys were four times more affected than girls, with prevalence rates of 1.7% and 0.4%, respectively. Significant risk factors included: a history of convulsions (AOR = 4.7; 95% CI: 3.3-6.79), low birth weight (AOR = 2.08; 95% CI: 1.54-2.79), prolonged stays in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) longer than two days (AOR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.46-2.49) and maternal health problems during pregnancy (AOR = 1.66; 95% CI:1.36-1.95). Regarding severity, 45% of diagnosed children had moderate ASD, 39% had severe ASD, and 16% had mild ASD. Female gender and older age were significant predictors of greater ASD severity.

CONCLUSION: ASD prevalence in Egypt is comparable to other Middle Eastern countries. Policymakers should utilize these findings to design targeted public health interventions aimed at early detection, management, and prevention of ASD progression.

PMID:40442748 | DOI:10.1186/s13229-025-00665-1

World J Emerg Surg. 2025 May 29;20(1):45. doi: 10.1186/s13017-025-00608-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The decline in trauma cases and the increase in non-surgical treatments have reduced opportunities for trauma surgery training. This study examined the effectiveness of Cadaver-Based Educational Seminar for Trauma Surgery (C-BEST) as a lifelong educational tool for novice and experienced clinicians.

METHODS: From 2017 to 2023, 117 clinicians with varying levels of experience participated in the C-BEST program at Hokkaido University. Participants included novice clinicians (median years post-graduation: 5) and experienced clinicians (median years post-graduation: 19). Each participant assessed their confidence in 21 trauma techniques before, immediately after, and 6 months post-course using a self-assessment of confidence levels (SACL) scale.

RESULTS: The analysis showed significant improvement in SACL scores immediately after the course, with confidence levels remaining sustained 6 months later. Novice clinicians demonstrated substantial skill acquisition, whereas experienced clinicians reported the reinforcement and refinement of existing skills.

CONCLUSIONS: C-BEST seems valuable as a training tool for the acquisition and retention of trauma surgery skills, addressing practical needs in trauma care. C-BEST provides an effective and sustained approach to trauma surgery skill development and retention across career stages. Further research on its long-term impact and applicability in diverse clinical settings is recommended.

PMID:40442744 | DOI:10.1186/s13017-025-00608-4

BMC Surg. 2025 May 29;25(1):236. doi: 10.1186/s12893-025-02969-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Thermal damage during surgical procedures is a critical factor influencing patient safety and outcomes, particularly in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeries. Advanced robotic-assisted surgical systems, such as the Anovo^® Surgical System, incorporate monopolar electrosurgical tools designed to optimize precision while minimizing collateral tissue damage. This study evaluates the thermal effects of the Anovo^® Hook Electrode and Curved Scissors compared to conventional off-the-shelf (OTS) tools.

METHODS: An ex vivo study was conducted using 288 tissue samples from a swine model, including liver, kidney, and muscle tissues. Thermal effects during monopolar cutting and coagulation were evaluated at three power settings (low, medium, high) and durations (5, 10, 15 s). Histological analysis was performed on all samples to assess coagulation necrosis and thermal spread. Statistical equivalence testing was applied to compare the Anovo^® devices with OTS tools.

RESULTS: The Anovo^® devices achieved precise and consistent thermal effects, meeting equivalence criteria in 97.57% of samples. Histological analysis confirmed well-defined coagulation zones with no unintended necrosis beyond the treated areas. Thermal spread increased proportionally with power settings and activation durations, but remained within clinically acceptable limits. The Anovo^® devices demonstrated performance comparable to, and occasionally superior to, OTS tools.

CONCLUSION: The Anovo^® Hook Electrode and Curved Scissors provide safe and effective monopolar electrosurgical performance with precise thermal effects. These findings support their use in robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgeries and highlight their potential to enhance surgical precision and patient outcomes.

PMID:40442741 | DOI:10.1186/s12893-025-02969-8

BMC Oral Health. 2025 May 29;25(1):850. doi: 10.1186/s12903-025-05930-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the novel Striate + collagen membrane in a canine model of guided bone and tissue regeneration (GBR) with dental implant placement.

METHODS: Eighteen mature beagle dogs were used in this split-mouth study. After having their premolar teeth extracted, GBR with immediate implant placement was performed on all study subjects.

STUDY SUBJECTS: The study treatments were: control group (implant + no membrane); BG-group (implant + Bio-Gide membrane); and SG-group (implant + Striate + membrane). Six dogs were sacrificed at 4-, 8- and, 12-weeks post-treatment for radiographic (µCT) assessment, histological examination and histomorphometric analysis.

RESULTS: µCT assessment showed that all groups exhibited increased bone formation from 4-weeks to 12-weeks post-treatment. There was no statistically significant difference in mean BV/TV between all 3 groups at weeks 4 and 8. At week 12, BV/TV was significantly higher in SG and BG-groups compared to control group. Assessment of bone microarchitectural parameters showed that animals in SG-group exhibited significantly higher Tb.N, O.Wi and lower Tb.Sp, suggesting more favorable mature bone structure. A significant increase in the number of osteoblasts on bone surface was also seen in SG-group. Histological assessment showed that SG-group displayed early signs of bone-to-implant contact at 8 weeks. While control sites showed early ingrowth of epithelium and connective tissue into the defects, infiltration of inflammatory cells, incomplete bone formation and limited bone to implant contact, use of a barrier membrane resulted in significant bone infill, mature bone formation with good bone to implant contact. and limited soft tissue invasion.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated superiority of Striate + collagen membrane to promote good bone formation and prevent unwanted epithelial infiltration in a canine mode of GBR.

PMID:40442739 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-025-05930-6

BMC Vet Res. 2025 May 30;21(1):390. doi: 10.1186/s12917-025-04837-2.

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health concern, and the inappropriate use of antibiotics in animals and humans is considered a significant contributing factor. Para-veterinarians and veterinarians are vital in the fight against AMR. The study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the para-veterinarians and veterinarians towards antimicrobial stewardship in Malawi. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey among the para-veterinarians and veterinarians was conducted from October 2024 to January 2025. A total of 69 participants, comprised of 42 para-veterinarians and 27 veterinarians, participated in this study, and the response rate for the survey was 44% (n = 158). The study used a predetermined cutoff of ≥ 55% to classify scores as having good knowledge, good practice, and a positive attitude. The study found that 85.5% of the respondents had good knowledge and 98.6% had good practices towards antimicrobial stewardship and prevention of AMR, while 92.8% had favorable attitude towards AMR and antimicrobial stewardship. The maximum obtainable scores for each construct were 11, 13 and 13 for knowledge, practice, and attitude, respectively. The overall mean scores for knowledge, practice and attitude were 11.25 ± 2.83, 8.71 ± 1.34 and 9.04 ± 1.64, respectively. These findings indicated that the respondents had good knowledge, good practices and favorable positive attitude towards AMR and antimicrobial stewardship. The study concludes that there is good level of knowledge, practice and favorable attitude among para-veterinarians and veterinarians towards antimicrobial stewardship which can be capitalized in the fight against AMR in Malawi. The veterinary professionals can be entrusted to comply with responsible antimicrobial prescriptions and use.

PMID:40442733 | DOI:10.1186/s12917-025-04837-2

BMC Urol. 2025 May 29;25(1):143. doi: 10.1186/s12894-025-01809-4.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Mayo adhesive probability (MAP) score affects the outcomes of adrenaletomy. Aimed to determine whether the modified retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (MRLA) overcomes periadrenal fat adhesion compared to Classical retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (CRLA) to achieve better surgical outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients admitted from January 2016 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed and systematically categorized into two distinct cohorts: the MRLA group and the CRLA group, based on specific criteria.The main surgical techniques modified of MRLA is third separation level: between the edge of adrenal gland and the peripheral renal fat. The baseline characteristics and perioperative data, e.g., age, gender, BMI, tumor position, tumor size (cm), MAP score, P distance (cm), perinephric stranding, and periadrenal stranding, estimated blood loss, Operating time, were analyzed, with statistical significance defined as p < 0.05. We analyzed the differences between groups using the t test. For measurement data that didn’t follow normal distribution, we described the concentration and dispersion trended using M (Q25, Q75) and analyzed the differences between groups using the M-U test. For data that met certain conditions like being linear, normal and independent, we used linear regression analysis. For binary classification of dependent variables, we used binary logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 731 patients underwent adrenaletomy, and 651 patients had adequate data, were available for MAP score assessment. Of these patients, 247 were in the MRLA group, whereas 404 were in the CRLA group, baseline characteristics weren’t found to be different between the two groups (p > 0.05). The MRLA group exhibited superior outcomes in terms of operating time, duration, postoperative hospital stay, estimated blood loss, and complications, in comparison to the CRLA group. Further analysis revealed that periadrenal stranding could be the underlying cause for this discrepancy.

CONCLUSIONS: The MRLA effectively overcame the impact of adhesive periadrenal fat (APAF) compared to CRLA. We recommend to employ the MRLA for patients with preoperative CT images indicating periadrenal fat adhesion.

PMID:40442731 | DOI:10.1186/s12894-025-01809-4

BMC Vet Res. 2025 May 30;21(1):392. doi: 10.1186/s12917-025-04799-5.

ABSTRACT

Food security and employment prospects are significantly influenced by the fish industry. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2023 to March 2024 to determine the pathological lesions, prevalence, and associated risk factors of L. intestinalis infection in Labeobarbus fish species in Lake Tana, Ethiopia. A total of 384 Labeobarbus fish were randomly selected from local fishermen and their associations. Pathological lesions were examined using proper evisceration and post-mortem techniques. Various visceral organs including the gonads, liver, and spleen were collected from infected fish for histopathological examination. Gross pathological findings revealed abdominal distension, anal hemorrhage, and gonadal atrophy, displacement of internal organs, body emaciation, and visceral fibrosis accompanied by discoloration. Histopathological alterations were observed in multiple organs. In the ovaries, the main changes included fibrosis, infiltration of inflammatory cells, destruction, and atrophy of oocytes. Testicular tissues exhibited hyperemia, necrosis, fibrosis, and degeneration. The liver showed vacuolar degeneration, biliary duct hyperplasia, infiltration of inflammatory cells, fibrosis, and necrosis. In the spleen, exudation, hemorrhage, congestion, and fibrosis were the primary pathological findings. Out of the 384 Labeobarbus fish examined, 62 tested positive for L. intestinalis, indicating an overall prevalence of 16.2% in Lake Tana. Statistical analysis revealed that fish standard length (χ² = 76.919, P = 0.001), fish weight (χ² = 50.087, P = 0.001), sampling points (χ² = 16.947, P = 0.009), and fish species (χ² = 27.73, P = 0.034) were significantly associated with L. intestinalis infection. The pathological effects of L. intestinalis on vital organs, combined with its high prevalence, suggest a significant negative impact on fish production and reproductive performance in Lake Tana. Therefore, regular monitoring and surveillance, public awareness campaigns, ecological studies, and appropriate policy interventions should be implemented to protect livelihoods and mitigate the effects of this parasite.

PMID:40442723 | DOI:10.1186/s12917-025-04799-5

J Pediatr Nurs. 2025 May 28;84:114-123. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2025.05.017. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic introduced significant challenges for healthcare systems, particularly affecting young people living with HIV (YPLHIV). This study examines the experiences of YPLHIV in Kampala, Uganda, during the pandemic.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study involving 154 YPLHIV aged 15-20. Participants completed surveys during their HIV health appointments. Descriptive statistics and Chi-Square tests assessed differences by sex and age (15-17 vs. 18-20 years old) regarding perceived risks, emotional impacts, and coping strategies.

RESULTS: The sample was 52 % female, with a mean age of 17.9. Almost all (90 %) of the sample acquired HIV perinatally. Medication adherence was varied, with half missing doses in the past thirty days. Older participants experienced more anxiety about COVID-19 and greater concern for loved ones compared to younger participants. Despite challenges, a majority of participants leveraged their experience of coping with HIV to manage the stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants expressed increased gratitude for family and life.

CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights age-related differences and psychosocial challenges for YPLHIV during the pandemic, emphasizing the need for targeted research and supportive interventions. Findings may guide future nursing, midwifery, and healthcare interventions to enhance strategies that clinically bolster coping factors to support YPLHIV during routine and unexpected healthcare changes. Addressing these needs requires a targeted focus that consider this population’s unique challenges.

PMID:40441122 | DOI:10.1016/j.pedn.2025.05.017

Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2025 May 28;267:114585. doi: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114585. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Inorganic arsenic (iA) exposure is associated with increased risk of lung, bladder, and skin cancer, as well as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. C-reactive protein (CRP), a measurement of inflammation, has been associated with these conditions. As the relationship between urinary arsenic and CRP remains unclear, we aim to determine if there is an association and to examine effect modification by dietary and lifestyle factors.

METHODS: The study includes 5761 adults, ages 25+, over four survey cycles (2005-2006, 2007-2008, 2009-2010, and 2015-2016), surveyed as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and included in the laboratory subsample. Survey-weighted multivariable linear regression was used to determine the association between log-transformed arsenic concentrations (∑As, monomethylarsonate [MMA], and dimethylarsinate [DMA], and primary and secondary methylation indices [PMI, SMI]) and log-transformed CRP. Models were stratified by gender, body mass index (BMI), folic acid supplement use, and dietary folate intake.

RESULTS: Three forms of urinary arsenic were associated with statistically significant lower levels of CRP (∑As: -3.06 %, MMA: -2.34 %, DMA: -2.10 %, per 25 % increase in arsenic concentration). The association between SMI and CRP varied by gender (p-interaction: <0.01) and dietary folate intake (p-interaction: 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS: The inverse association between urinary arsenic concentrations and CRP was unexpected, highlighting a need to better characterize effects of iAs at low levels of exposure. Effect modification by dietary folate intake suggests that folate may affect the secondary methylation pathway, however, more research is needed to understand the role that folic acid plays in arsenic methylation.

PMID:40441120 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114585

Water Res. 2025 May 22;283:123886. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2025.123886. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In marine environments, the sources of organophosphate esters (OPEs), particularly emerging OPEs (eOPEs) remain primarily unclear and present significant challenges for accurate source tracing. Here, we developed an unsupervised machine learning framework termed a multi-factorial multimodal high-dimensional clustering (MFM-clustering) algorithm to efficiently attribute source tracing of these pollutants. Our approach integrates physicochemical properties auch as log K_ow and log BCF, along with geographical data, to comprehensively represent the environmental behavior of these compounds beyond traditional concentration data. The robustness of the MFM-clustering algorithm was validated, offering enhanced pollutant classification accuracy compared to conventional statistical methods by focusing on pollutant-specific features. We used a systematic framework comprising field investigations, target screening, risk assessment, and MFM-clustering-based source analysis. The methodology was applied to the Bohai Sea, China, as a case study, where 29 OPEs, including 15 eOPEs, were quantified in sediment samples. This application refined the clustering analysis and enabled detailed ecological risk assessments. Industries associated with OPEs production, sewage treatment plants, industrial discharges, surface runoff from automotive activities, atmospheric transport of volatile OPEs, and petroleum-related operations for most eOPEs have been identified as key contributors to OPE pollution in various regions of the Bohai Sea. Our results highlight the necessity of tracing upstream production processes and identifying environmentally safer alternatives as effective strategies for mitigating OPE emissions.

PMID:40441093 | DOI:10.1016/j.watres.2025.123886