Nevin Manimala

Eur J Med Res. 2025 Jul 14;30(1):617. doi: 10.1186/s40001-025-02873-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by intense itching and lesions that significantly impact patients’ quality of life. Abrocitinib, a selective Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor, has shown promise in treating AD by targeting inflammatory pathways linked to disease symptoms. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of abrocitinib in reducing lesion severity and pruritus in AD patients.

METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library was conducted on September 19, 2024, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Included studies were randomized controlled trials assessing abrocitinib’s effects on lesion area and pruritus in AD patients. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Statistical analyses, including meta-regression and subgroup analysis, were conducted using Stata. Funnel plots were examined to assess publication bias.

RESULTS: Five studies met inclusion criteria, with sample sizes ranging from 267 to 837 participants. Abrocitinib significantly improved Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) and Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI-75) scores, as well as pruritus scores on the Pruritus Patient Numeric Rating Scale (PP-NRS), compared to placebo (all P < 0.001). A dose-response effect was observed, with higher efficacy at the 200 mg dose. The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was higher in the intervention group, particularly at 200 mg, though no significant difference was noted in serious adverse events (SAEs) between groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Abrocitinib is effective in reducing lesion severity and pruritus in AD, with dose-dependent improvements. Despite a higher incidence of manageable TEAEs at 200 mg, no significant increase in SAEs was observed, supporting abrocitinib’s safety and efficacy as a treatment for moderate to severe AD.

REGISTRATION: CRD420251056272.

PMID:40660399 | DOI:10.1186/s40001-025-02873-0

Eur J Med Res. 2025 Jul 14;30(1):623. doi: 10.1186/s40001-025-02891-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The elimination of the causative agent and the facilitation of tissue regeneration are the fundamental objectives of periodontal therapy. Various adjunctive agents have been investigated to optimize treatment outcomes with surgical interventions. Periostin is a matricellular protein predominantly expressed in periodontal tissues, playing a key role in tissue remodeling, inflammation, and wound healing. The human placental extract has been used in periodontal surgery and compared with open flap debridement alone, with gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) periostin levels assessed to gauge periodontal wound healing.

METHODS: Sixteen systemically healthy patients diagnosed with Stage III Grade C periodontitis were enrolled in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to either the test group (n = 8) or the control group (n = 8), with a total of nine males and seven females distributed across the groups. The test group underwent open flap debridement (OFD), followed by applying human placental extract gel absorbed into a gelatin sponge, while the control group received only OFD. Clinical parameters were assessed at baseline and 3 month post-treatment. GCF periostin levels were measured at baseline, 6 weeks, and 3 months.

RESULTS: The test group demonstrated a mean probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction of 4.75 ± 1.28 mm, compared to 3.12 ± 1.12 mm in the control group, with the difference being statistically significant. The relative attachment level (RAL) gain was 4.37 ± 1.18 mm in the test group and 2.75 ± 0.70 mm in the control group; however, this difference was not statistically significant. At 3 months, the mean healing index score was 4.50 ± 0.53 in the test group and 3.62 ± 0.51 in the control group, with a statistically significant intergroup difference. The Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), and Gingival Bleeding Index (BI) showed moderate reductions at 3 months; however, intergroup differences were not statistically significant, except for BI, where the difference at 3 months was -0.180.

CONCLUSIONS: The adjunctive use of placental extract gel in surgical periodontal therapy demonstrated beneficial effects on healing outcomes. In addition, periostin shows promise as a biomarker for periodontal wound healing.

PMID:40660386 | DOI:10.1186/s40001-025-02891-y

Isr J Health Policy Res. 2025 Jul 15;14(1):40. doi: 10.1186/s13584-025-00704-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Accessibility and availability are critical components of quality healthcare, particularly for dialysis patients requiring tri-weekly treatments. Inconveniently placed or oversubscribed dialysis centers contribute to widening healthcare disparities. This study aims to enhance equity in dialysis care by utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to optimize facility placement through data-driven decision-making.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed national data from 5,961 hemodialysis patients across 76 dialysis centers in Israel. Geographic accessibility was assessed using GIS to measure travel distances between patients’ residences and their treating dialysis centers. For utilization rate, active hemodialysis patient count was compared to estimated maximum capacity for each center. Statistical comparisons across districts were conducted using chi-square, ANOVA, or Kruskal-Wallis tests, with Bonferroni corrections. Findings were visualized using ArcGIS software.

RESULTS: The median travel distance to dialysis centers varied significantly by district (p < 0.001), with the longest distance in the North district (10.9 km) and the shortest in the South district (3.4 km). The mean utilization rate was 73.3%, with the highest in the North district (82.5%) and the lowest in the Jerusalem district (64.3%). No significant differences in utilization rates were found between districts (p = 0.38.

CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study to apply GIS to national patient-based data for assessing dialysis center accessibility and utilization. Our findings demonstrate how GIS integration with national registries can inform equitable healthcare planning and facility allocation. This approach offers policymakers a scalable, technology-driven strategy to optimize resource distribution, correct healthcare inequities, and improve accessibility for dialysis patients.

PMID:40660384 | DOI:10.1186/s13584-025-00704-5

Inj Epidemiol. 2025 Jul 14;12(Suppl 1):41. doi: 10.1186/s40621-025-00596-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Helmet use significantly decreases head injuries, the most common cause of bicycle-related fatalities in youth. Our objective was to determine bicycle helmet use by rural adolescents, their attitudes regarding helmets, and associated demographic factors.

METHODS: A convenience sample of 2022 Iowa FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America) Leadership Conference attendees completed an anonymous electronic or paper survey. After compilation in Qualtrics, descriptive, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed using statistical program, R.

RESULTS: 1,331 adolescents 13-18 years participated. Almost three-fifths (58%) were female; 56% were 16-18 years. One-half lived on a farm, 21% lived in the country/not on a farm and 28% lived in town. 90% of subject households had at least one bicycle. Overall, 78% had ridden a bicycle in the past year. Those from farms had lower proportions that had ridden a bicycle in the past year (73%) than those living elsewhere (83%), p < 0.001, and also rode them less frequently. The mean importance (rated 1-10) of wearing a bike helmet was 4.7 (median 4). Males, older teens, non-Hispanic White individuals, and those from farms all ascribed lower bicycle helmet importance than their corresponding peers. Only 15% supported laws requiring bicycle helmet use. Three-quarters (74%) rarely or never wore a helmet; only 13% said they always or mostly wore a helmet. A direct relationship was noted between helmet use and those who rode more frequently, and to those ascribing higher importance to helmet use. Only 12% stated their parents had a strict “no helmet, no riding” rule. However, those with a rule had 18 times greater odds of supporting bicycle helmet laws and had a higher median ascribed bicycle helmet importance as compared to those without a rule (9 vs. 4). Moreover, participants with a strict rule had 32 times higher odds of wearing a bicycle helmet always/most of the time versus those without a rule.

CONCLUSIONS: Bicycle helmet use is infrequent among rural adolescents. Youth whose parents had a strict “no helmet, no riding” rule placed greater importance on using helmets, were more supportive of bicycle helmet laws, and had significantly greater helmet use.

PMID:40660377 | DOI:10.1186/s40621-025-00596-8

Ital J Pediatr. 2025 Jul 15;51(1):225. doi: 10.1186/s13052-025-02072-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Childhood pneumonia remains a significant clinical and public health challenge, contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality in under five years of age, including Ethiopia. Despite efforts to reduce its impact, childhood pneumonia persists as a leading cause of death in young children, particularly in low-resource settings. This study investigates the association between childhood pneumonia incidence and meteorological factors in the Central Gondar Zone, northwest Ethiopia, from January 2013 to December 2022.

METHODS: Institution based time-series cross-sectional study design was conducted in Central Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Data on childhood pneumonia cases were obtained from the Central Gondar Zone Health Department and Gondar Administrative Health Department. Meteorological data, including temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity, were sourced from the West Amhara Meteorology Agency. Spearman correlation, bivariate negative binomial, and multivariable negative binomial regressions were employed to analyze the relationship between childhood pneumonia incidence and meteorological factors.

RESULTS: The findings reveal a consistent increase in childhood pneumonia incidence during the study period. Specifically, there is a significant inverse association between mean monthly temperature and the incidence of childhood pneumonia, indicating a higher incidence during the cooler month. In contrast, mean monthly rainfall demonstrates a positive association with childhood pneumonia incidence, suggesting increased incidence following periods of higher rainfall. However, no significant association was observed between relative humidity and childhood pneumonia incidence.

CONCLUSIONS: These results underscore the complex interplay between meteorological factors and childhood pneumonia incidence, with implications for public health interventions and climate adaptation strategies in Ethiopia. Understanding these associations can inform targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of childhood pneumonia, particularly in climate-vulnerable regions.

PMID:40660351 | DOI:10.1186/s13052-025-02072-x

Clin Epigenetics. 2025 Jul 14;17(1):124. doi: 10.1186/s13148-025-01931-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The incidence of thyroid cancer (TC) has significantly increased, highlighting the need for effective and objective approaches for the early diagnosis of TC. This study aimed to explore RASGEF1C methylation as a biomarker for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).

METHODS: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples from a total of 363 PTC and 409 benign thyroid nodules from multiple centers were analyzed. RASGEF1C methylation profiles were examined via MALDI-TOFF mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis was performed via logistic regression adjusted for covariates, nonparametric tests, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Additionally, 40 follicular thyroid cancer samples, 45 medullary thyroid cancer samples, and 7 anaplastic thyroid samples from three hospitals were afterward collected to compare methylation patterns across subtypes.

RESULTS: Hypomethylation of RASGEF1C in PTC was observed vs. BTN (all odds ratios (ORs) ≥ 1.57, p values < 0.001). Stratification analysis revealed a more pronounced association in younger patients, especially for BRAF V600E-positive PTC patients, than in individuals with benign tumors (all ORs ≥ 1.89, p values < 0.001). ROC analysis further demonstrated the outstanding diagnostic power of RASGEF1C hypomethylation for BRAF V600E-positive PTC cases (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.93), for cases < 55 years old (AUC = 0.88), and even for patients with a tumor length ≤ 1 cm (AUC = 0.83). Moreover, we observed the lowest RASGEF1C methylation level in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, the most aggressive subtype of TC. Our results revealed similar RASGEF1C hypomethylation between chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis and papillary thyroid cancer, whereas RASGEF1C methylation in subacute thyroiditis patients was similar to that in the other benign subtypes.

CONCLUSION: Our study revealed RASGEF1C methylation as a promising biomarker for distinguishing and classifying benign and malignant thyroid tumors and even provided epigenetic evidence for the inflammatory-cancer transformation. Nevertheless, the limitation of tissue-based biomarkers should be well noted, and the development of more accessible biomarkers warrants further exploration in the future.

PMID:40660340 | DOI:10.1186/s13148-025-01931-y

Eur J Med Res. 2025 Jul 14;30(1):622. doi: 10.1186/s40001-025-02863-2.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to investigate the prognostic relevance of PROX1, and MTA1 in salivary gland carcinomas.

METHODS: In a retrospective study on 45 cases diagnosed with salivary gland carcinoma, PROX1 and MTA1 immunoexpressions were assessed concerning the different clinicopathologic parameters, disease-free (DFS), and overall survivals (OS). Pearson’s Chi-square test, One-way ANOVA, and Post Hoc tests were used to estimate the difference between groups. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to record DFS and OS, and the log-rank test was used to analyze the data. With Cox regression, univariate and multivariate survival analyses were run. A P-value of 0.05 or less was regarded as statistically significant.

RESULTS: Positive PROX1 and high MTA1 expressions were significantly associated with large tumor sizes (T3 & T4), presence of nodal and distant metastasis, advanced TNM clinical stage (III + IV), and presence of tumor recurrence (P values were ≤ 0.05). Moreover, positive PROX1, and high MTA1 expressions were significantly associated with poor DFS and OS in the univariate models. Additionally, DFS and OS were significantly reduced in relation to large sized tumors (T3 + T4), positive nodal involvement, positive distant metastasis, advanced TNM clinical stage (III + IV), high-grade carcinomas, presence of LV invasion, and old ages (P values were ≤ 0.05). The multivariate analysis with Cox regression found that distant metastasis was the independent predictor for DFS, but not for OS in SGC patients.

CONCLUSIONS: PROX1 and MTA1 immunoexpression could be used as predictors of progression and recurrence in SGC patients. PROX1 and MTA1 are potentially prognostic, predictive biomarkers, and promising molecular therapeutic targets in SGC patients. Trial registration Retrospectively registered.

PMID:40660330 | DOI:10.1186/s40001-025-02863-2

Arch Public Health. 2025 Jul 15;83(1):187. doi: 10.1186/s13690-025-01669-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Socioeconomic status (SES) and family relationships are critical social determinants of health disparities. The mechanisms underlying their interactions remain insufficiently understood in Asian cultures with prevalent intergenerational cohabitation. This study investigates the independent and combined effects of SES and family relationships on all-cause mortality in China.

METHODS: A baseline survey was conducted in 2010 involving 9280 adult permanent residents from 12 counties (districts) in Guizhou Province, using stratified cluster random sampling. Two follow-ups (2016-2020, 2023) were conducted. SES was assessed using a composite score comprising household income, education, and occupation, while family relationships were classified as either “good” or “mediocre.” The Cox proportional hazards model was employed to evaluate the independent and combined effects of SES and family relationships on all-cause mortality.

RESULTS: Among 5949 participants were included, and the cumulative mortality rate was 6.4% over a median follow-up of 12 years. With a decrease in mortality risk as SES increased (P < 0.001). Compared with SES ≤ 6, mortality risk with SES scores of 7, 8, and ≥ 9 decreased by 36.9% (HR = 0.631, 95% CI = 0.473-0.842), 36.6% (HR = 0.644, 95% CI = 0.469-0.886), and 73% (HR = 0.270, 95% CI = 0.183-0.397), respectively. The independent effect of family relationship on the risk of death was not statistically significant (HR = 0.847, 95% CI = 0.0.670- 1.070). The joint analysis showed the compensatory effect was significant when SES exceeded a threshold (SES ≥ 9), alleviating the mortality risk associated with family relationships (HR = 0.2197, 95% CI = 0.073-0.652).

CONCLUSION: Findings demonstrate SES independently reduces mortality in Chinese populations, while the effect of family relationships is modulated by cultural background. The resource substitution hypothesis is valid at specific SES thresholds. Intervention efforts should prioritize the vulnerable group characterized by “low SES and weak family support”.

PMID:40660323 | DOI:10.1186/s13690-025-01669-2

Parasit Vectors. 2025 Jul 14;18(1):283. doi: 10.1186/s13071-025-06911-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hard ticks are responsible for spreading several zoonotic infections globally. Of the main vector species in Europe, Ixodes ricinus, nymphal ticks cause the largest number of disease cases. Therefore, understanding the seasonal questing behaviour of this life stage is particularly crucial for public health. We assessed seasonal variation in questing abundance of I. ricinus nymphs on a tick-infested island in southwestern Finland. Our primary goal was to examine which abiotic factors, such as meteorological conditions from the recent past, influence the seasonal questing activity of I. ricinus nymphs, and whether these influences manifest similarly across different times and habitat types.

METHODS: Ticks were collected in 2012-2021 by cloth dragging from five different biotopes around the island. Three 50-m study transects were placed in each biotope, for a total of 15 transects. Air temperature and relative humidity were measured at the moment of sampling. Daily temperature and rainfall readings were obtained from weather stations.

RESULTS: Across all biotopes, the overall density of I. ricinus nymphs was 10.6 ticks/100 m². In total, 7082 nymphs were collected from a total sampled area of 67,500 m². Increasing nymph densities were observed during the 10-year study period, but the increase was not linear. Instead, an incremental jump in densities was observed in 2016. One weather-related explanatory factor remained in each of the statistical models for modelling the seasonal questing activity of ticks, when the progress of the season was already taken into account by week numbers.

CONCLUSIONS: Increasing nymph densities were observed during a 10-year study period. While temperature measurements taken during the time of dragging did not appear to greatly influence the observed tick numbers, the recent past temperature variables were significant in all the natural biotopes. The results suggest that, in the clearly seasonal climate of southwestern Finland, the main factors shaping phenological patterns of I. ricinus nymphs during their main activity period are the progress of the season and a heat-related reduction in questing activity.

PMID:40660308 | DOI:10.1186/s13071-025-06911-y

J Neuroeng Rehabil. 2025 Jul 14;22(1):162. doi: 10.1186/s12984-025-01679-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, especially in China, where its incidence is rising. Post-stroke rehabilitation is crucial for restoring neurological function and improving quality of life. Light therapy, a non-pharmacological intervention, is gaining attention for its potential to promote neuroplasticity and enhance brain circulation. Warm and cold light, characterized by different color temperatures, have demonstrated beneficial effects on sleep quality, neurological recovery, and emotional well-being in stroke patients. However, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This study explores the effects of different light color temperatures on stroke recovery to optimize rehabilitation approaches.

METHODS: The study was designed as a prospective, single-center, randomized controlled trial. 48 patients with ischemic stroke were randomly divided into three groups (1:1:1): warm light group (WLG, 500 lx, 3000 K, n = 16), cold light group (CLG, 500 lx, 6500 K, n = 16), and control group (CG, 500 lx, 5000 K, n = 16). Patients in all three groups received 60 min of rehabilitation therapy daily, from Monday to Friday between 8:30 and 9:30 AM, under light environments with different color temperatures. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Short Form-36 (SF-36), Self-Rating Sleep Scale (SRSS), and levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), norepinephrine (NE) and melatonin (MT) were measured before and after 4 weeks of intervention.

RESULTS: After 4 weeks intervention, CLG showed a significant reduction of NIHSS when compared to CG(p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.316) and WLG(p = 0.003, partial η² = 0.237). Although all three groups showed significant reductions in SRSS scores in the within-group comparisons, between-group comparisons revealed that CLG demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in SRSS compared to CG (p = 0.004, partial η² = 0.253) and WLG (p = 0.007, partial η² = 0.241). Regarding the SF-36, the physical component summary (PCS) score significantly decreased in both CG (Δ = -5.34 ± 7.35, p = 0.011) and WLG (Δ = -3.63 ± 4.68, p = 0.015), while CLG showed a significant improvement (Δ = 4.28 (8.78), p = 0.024). Between-group analysis demonstrated that post-intervention PCS scores were significantly higher in CLG compared to CG (p = 0.001, partial η² = 0.323) and WLG (p = 0.002, partial η² = 0.326), with no significant difference between CG and WLG (p = 0.104). Mental component summary (MCS) scores showed no statistically significant differences either within or between groups. No significant changes in NE and IL-6 levels were observed across all groups. CLG showed a significant reduction of MT when compared to WLG(p = 0.018, partial η² = 0.174). No apparent adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that cold light therapy significantly improves neurological function, sleep quality, physical health status, including better performance on the physical component of quality of life in post-stroke patients, while warm light shows moderate benefits in sleep. These results support the integration of light-based interventions as adjunctive strategies in post-stroke care. Trial registration The study was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry as a clinical trial ID (ChiCTR2200057541), March 14, 2022.

PMID:40660285 | DOI:10.1186/s12984-025-01679-9