Nevin Manimala

Psychophysiology. 2026 Feb;63(2):e70221. doi: 10.1111/psyp.70221.

ABSTRACT

Objects typically appear within rich visual scenes. By capitalizing on learnt statistical pairings between objects and scenes, the visual system can use scene information to generate predictions about objects likely to occur within a given environment. Some models of visual system function propose that scene information is extracted from low-spatial frequency components and rapidly propagates through the visual processing hierarchy. This contextual information may help bias perceptual inferences toward objects that are likely to appear within a scene, enacted via top-down feedback carrying predictions. We tested this hypothesized influence of low spatial frequency information through newly learnt predictive object-scene associations. We recorded electroencephalographic (EEG) data from 40 participants who viewed high-spatial frequency objects either in isolation or embedded within low- or high-spatial frequency scenes. Object-scene pairings were probabilistically manipulated such that certain objects more frequently appeared in certain scenes. We trained classifiers on EEG data from object-only trials and tested them on object plus scene trials. We did not observe differences in classification accuracy across expected and unexpected objects for both low- and high-spatial frequency scenes, and any interaction between spatial frequency and expectation. However, we observed expectation effects on event-related potentials for both spatial frequency conditions. These effects arose at similar latencies for both low- and high-spatial frequency scenes but interacted with the expectation effects. Together, we report evidence that expectations induced by object-scene pairings influence visually evoked responses but do not modulate object representations.

PMID:41618713 | DOI:10.1111/psyp.70221

J Esthet Restor Dent. 2026 Jan 31. doi: 10.1111/jerd.70118. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the surface roughness and wear effect of three different ceramic materials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty ceramic discs (10/group) were fabricated: Lithium disilicate (IPS e.max CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent, Switzerland); Zirconia (Zolid Gen-X, Amanngirrbach, Austria); Zirconia reinforced lithium disilicate (Vita Suprinity, Vita Zahnfabrik, Germany). Ceramic specimens underwent surface roughness measurements, thermocycling (10,000 cycles), then used to abrade opposing materials for 250,000 cycles. Opposing material wear was quantified using a scanner and software for wear effect measurements. Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn, Wilcoxon Signed Ranks, and Spearman’s correlation tests (α = 0.050).

RESULTS: Median values (for all surface roughness parameters and wear effect) showed significant differences between the study groups (p < 0.050). All study groups showed a significant increase in the median surface roughness values after wear (p < 0.050). No significant correlation was found between surface roughness and wear effect (p > 0.050).

CONCLUSIONS: There was a statistically significant difference in the median surface roughness (before and after wear) and wear effect between the study groups. No significant correlation was found between ceramic surface roughness and their wear effect.

PMID:41618709 | DOI:10.1111/jerd.70118

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2026 Jan 31:traf145. doi: 10.1093/trstmh/traf145. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Malaria is a serious public health issue in Pakistan. This study investigated the spatiotemporal patterns, seasonal dynamics, and molecular confirmation of malaria in District Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, from 2011 to 2017.

METHODS: Clinical data were collected from the District Headquarters Hospital over 7 y. A random sample of 120 patients from 2017 was used for microscopic and molecular identification. Spatial-temporal patterns were analysed using ArcGIS (Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri), Redlands, California, United States). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (IBM Corporation, Armonk, New York, United States) and R software (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria).

RESULTS: Of 41 863 tests, 6246 were positive, yielding an overall test positivity rate of 14.92%. Males (58.89%) were more affected than females. The highest proportion of cases was in the 1-20-y age group. The annual test positive rate declined from 32.97% in 2011 to 10.77% in 2017. Seasonally, autumn had the highest case proportion (46.73%); winter the lowest (7.09%). Spatial analysis identified Gharhi, Dargai and Haryankot as high-burden areas. Inverse distance weighting highlighted these as hotspots for potential transmission. PCR confirmed microscopy-based species identification.

CONCLUSIONS: Malaria in Malakand peaks in autumn, affecting males and individuals aged <20 y most. Neighbouring villages are at risk from hyper-endemic areas. Microscopy remains a dependable diagnostic tool here.

PMID:41618708 | DOI:10.1093/trstmh/traf145

Influenza Other Respir Viruses. 2026 Feb;20(2):e70235. doi: 10.1111/irv.70235.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Male sex is a well-known risk factor for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalization in children, but there are no data on potential differences in clinical features between boys and girls hospitalized with RSV infection.

METHODS: We compared the average population-based rates of hospitalization and the clinical features of the illness between boys and girls hospitalized with virologically confirmed RSV infection during 2006-2020 at Turku University Hospital, Finland. During this period, testing for RSV was routine in all children admitted with respiratory infections. The comparisons were performed in different age groups of children up to 5 years of age.

RESULTS: Among all 1204 children < 5 years of age hospitalized with RSV, the average annual RSV hospitalization rates were 4.0/1000 in boys and 3.3/1000 in girls (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.21; 95% CI, 1.07-1.35; p = 0.001). The difference was greatest in children aged 3-23 months, among whom the corresponding rates were 5.4/1000 in boys and 3.6/1000 in girls (IRR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.25-1.80; p < 0.001). The occurrence of respiratory distress was consistently higher in boys than in girls among children aged 6-17 months. In this group of 233 children, 128 of 141 (90.8%) boys had documented respiratory distress, compared with 70 of 92 (76.1%) girls (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS: Except for the first 3 months after birth, boys have a 50% higher risk of RSV hospitalization than girls during the first 2 years of life. In that same age group, boys hospitalized with RSV have also significantly more respiratory distress than girls.

PMID:41618700 | DOI:10.1111/irv.70235

Clin Oral Implants Res. 2026 Jan 31. doi: 10.1111/clr.70093. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether adding a connective tissue graft (CTG) to guided bone regeneration (GBR) improves clinical and radiographic outcomes in surgical peri-implantitis treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients with peri-implantitis were randomly assigned to receive GBR and CTG (test group, TG) or GBR alone (control group, CG). Clinical and radiographic parameters were recorded at baseline, 6, and 12 months. The primary outcome was the change in clinical attachment level (CAL), while secondary outcomes included pocket probing depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BoP), plaque index (PI), keratinized mucosa width (KMW), mucosal thickness (MT), recession (REC), suppuration (SUP), marginal bone levels (MBL), bone defect morphology, and disease resolution (DR).

RESULTS: At 12 months, CAL gain was significantly higher in TG compared with CG (3.21 ± 1.57 mm vs. 1.65 ± 1.28 mm; p = 0.022), and TG achieved significantly greater increase in KMW (2.25 ± 2.89 mm vs. 0.26 ± 1.49 mm; p = 0.010). Both groups showed significant PPD reduction, with a greater, though not statistically significant, improvement comparing TG with CG (3.25 ± 1.59 mm vs. 1.97 ± 1.23 mm; p = 0.052). Additionally, MBL improved significantly in both groups (p < 0.001), with higher gains in TG (p < 0.001). However, DR was comparable between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS: GBR effectively improves peri-implant parameters after 1 year. Adding a CTG enhances CAL and KMW gains and may promote more favorable bone levels, although the impact on DR remains inconclusive. Long-term studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04323540.

PMID:41618697 | DOI:10.1111/clr.70093

Int J Soc Psychiatry. 2026 Jan 31:207640251414176. doi: 10.1177/00207640251414176. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The ongoing war on Gaza has a devastating impact on Palestinians, particularly on their psychological well-being.

AIMS: To assess mental health disorders and coping strategies among Palestinians displaced to Egypt during the 2023 Gaza war.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study included Palestinian refugees older than 18 years. Impact of Event Scale-6, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Coping Strategies Inventory-Short Form were used to assess posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and coping mechanisms, respectively.

RESULTS: Among the 558 participants, 62.2% were females, with a mean age of 33.91 ± 11.84 years. Prevalence rates of PTSD, anxiety, and depression were 37.5%, 94.1%, and 94.8%, respectively. Emotion disengagement was the most adopted coping strategy. Multiple linear regression showed that PTSD was positively associated with being female, anxiety, depression, and the use of problem engagement, problem disengagement, and emotion disengagement coping strategies. Very good financial status and difficulty accessing healthcare were negatively associated with PTSD. Anxiety was associated with older age, being female, difficulty finding a job, war-related injury, PTSD, depression, and problem disengagement, while emotion engagement was protective. Depression was associated with a family history of mental illness, housing difficulties, emotion disengagement, anxiety, and PTSD, while problem engagement and being female were protective.

CONCLUSIONS: Context-sensitive psychosocial interventions that strengthen coping strategies are essential to alleviate the psychological burden among this vulnerable population.

PMID:41618696 | DOI:10.1177/00207640251414176

Health Inf Manag. 2026 Jan 31:18333583251413652. doi: 10.1177/18333583251413652. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study shares insights from clinical trialists who have conducted investigator-initiated trials that have linked trial data to administrative data, focusing on the challenges and facilitators of this approach.

OBJECTIVE: To provide recommendations for evaluating the feasibility and suitability of using administrative data in clinical trials.

METHOD: A convergent parallel mixed-methods study was conducted, surveying Australian clinical trialists and operations staff. Participants could opt-in to in-depth interviews. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while thematic analysis was applied to interview data, with findings integrated during interpretation.

RESULTS: Four main themes and 10 sub-themes were identified as critical when evaluating the suitability of administrative data for clinical trials: (i) “trial management considerations” covers operational factors like budgeting, timelines and staffing; (ii) “assessing burdens vs. gains” encourages weighing up the research benefits with the additional operational and consent considerations; (iii) “data preparation and analysis” addresses the processes involved in preparing and analysing data for linkage between trial and administrative datasets; and (iv) “training and support” emphasises the need for researcher support when using linked data.

CONCLUSION: Researchers should carefully evaluate the feasibility of using administrative data, considering costs, required skills, timelines and data accuracy. They must also be prepared for delays due to data request processes, participant consent requirements and the mandated use of data access platforms. Early planning can mitigate later complexities.Implications for health information management practice:This study highlights the value of health information managers in clinical research, particularly in managing electronic health records and clinical coding. Their expertise in these areas, as well as in data governance and system architecture, can support clinical trials that link to administrative data.

PMID:41618687 | DOI:10.1177/18333583251413652

Pak J Biol Sci. 2025 Dec;28(12):765-772. doi: 10.3923/pjbs.2025.765.772.

ABSTRACT

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; Antimicrobial resistance has created a demand for alternative therapeutic agents derived from natural products. &lt;i&gt;Balikpapan ginger&lt;/i&gt; (&lt;i&gt;Etlingera balikpapanensis&lt;/i&gt; A.D. Poulsen) is an underexplored species with potential medicinal value. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal activity of its stem extract against &lt;i&gt;Staphylococcus aureus&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Candida albicans&lt;/i&gt;. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; The extract was obtained through maceration using 96% ethanol. Antimicrobial activity was tested using the disc diffusion method at concentrations of 0.5, 1 and 2%. The diameters of inhibition zones were measured and results were analyzed statistically to assess dose-dependent effects. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The extract exhibited significant antibacterial activity against &lt;i&gt;S. aureus&lt;/i&gt; and notable antifungal activity against &lt;i&gt;C. albicans&lt;/i&gt;. Inhibition zones increased proportionally with extract concentration, with the highest activity observed at 2%. The antimicrobial effect is attributed to the presence of flavonoids and tannins in the extract. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; &lt;i&gt;Balikpapan ginger&lt;/i&gt; stem extract demonstrates promising antibacterial and antifungal potential, supporting its application as a natural antimicrobial agent in health-related fields. Further studies are recommended to isolate active compounds and evaluate &lt;i&gt;in vivo&lt;/i&gt; efficacy.

PMID:41618677 | DOI:10.3923/pjbs.2025.765.772

Pak J Biol Sci. 2025 Dec;28(12):735-748. doi: 10.3923/pjbs.2025.735.748.

ABSTRACT

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; Endophytic actinomycetes associated with medicinal plants constitute a valuable yet underinvestigated source of bioactive secondary metabolites. &lt;i&gt;Tinospora cordifolia&lt;/i&gt;, a widely respected ethnomedicinal plant, harbors diverse microbial endophytes with strong therapeutic potential. This study aimed to isolate and characterize endophytic actinomycetes from &lt;i&gt;T. cordifolia&lt;/i&gt;, identify their major metabolites and evaluate the antibacterial, anticancer and molecular inhibitory properties of the purified compounds. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; Actinomycetes were isolated from surface-sterilized root, stem and leaf tissues using selective media. The most potent isolate, TTCF1, was identified through morphological characteristics, chemotaxonomic profiling and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Bioactive metabolites were extracted and purified via column chromatography, followed by structural characterization using advanced spectroscopic techniques. Antibacterial activity was assessed by determining MIC and MBC values against human pathogens, including MRSA. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay on HeLa, HepG2 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines, along with Vero cells as the non-cancerous control. Molecular docking was performed against EGFR, accompanied by ADMET property prediction. Statistical significance was determined using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s &lt;i&gt;post hoc&lt;/i&gt; test (p<0.05). &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; Ten actinomycete isolates were obtained, all exclusively from root tissues. The strongest producer, TTCF1, showed 99.54% 16S rRNA similarity to &lt;i&gt;Streptomyces triticiradicis&lt;/i&gt;. Chemical analysis yielded two diketopiperazines: Cyclo-(D-Pro-L-Tyr) and Cyclo-(D-Pro-L-Leu). Both compounds demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive pathogens (MIC 32-64 μg/mL) and cytotoxicity toward cancer cell lines (IC&lt;sub&gt;50&lt;/sub&gt; 58.16-362.71 μg/mL). Compound 1 showed selective toxicity toward HepG2 cells and exhibited stronger predicted EGFR binding affinity (-7.188 kcal/mol) than the reference inhibitor AQ4 (-6.703 kcal/mol). The ADMET profiles indicated good oral absorption. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; &lt;i&gt;Streptomyces triticiradicis&lt;/i&gt; TTCF1 is a promising source of pharmacologically relevant diketopiperazines. Cyclo-(D-Pro-L-Tyr) emerges as a potential lead molecule with notable antimicrobial and selective anticancer activity, supported by strong EGFR-binding predictions.

PMID:41618675 | DOI:10.3923/pjbs.2025.735.748

Urol J. 2026 Jan 11. doi: 10.22037/uj.v23i00.8655. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The prognosis and clinical management of bladder tumors nearly occupying the entire bladder cavity remain poorly defined due to limited available data. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical features and treatment outcomes of patients presenting with bladder tumors nearly filling the bladder at initial diagnosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: After obtaining ethical approval, a retrospective analysis was conducted on 51 patients diagnosed between 2017 and 2024 with primary bladder tumors nearly filling the bladder. All underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT). The clinical and pathological were analyzed data using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS: The mean age was 76.24 ± 11.7 years, with a median follow-up of 9.73 months (range: 3-84 months). Hematuria was the most frequent symptom (74.5%). Muscle-invasive disease was identified in 43.1% of cases at initial diagnosis, exceeding the 25% generally reported in newly diagnosed bladder cancer cohorts (P < .001). Complete resection was achieved in 68.6%, while 31.4% required re-TURBT. Among patients initially diagnosed with non-muscle-invasive tumors, 31.1% were found to have muscle invasion upon second resection. Treatments comprised intravesical immunotherapy (48.6%), radical cystectomy (25.7%), chemoradiation (14.3%), and systemic chemotherapy (11.4%).

CONCLUSION: Bladder tumors nearly filling the bladder cavity are associated with high rates of muscle invasion and pose significant challenges in treatment and management. Larger, prospective multicenter studies are warranted to validate these findings and optimize management in this high-risk population.

PMID:41618669 | DOI:10.22037/uj.v23i00.8655