Nevin Manimala

Percept Mot Skills. 2025 Jul 2:315125251357047. doi: 10.1177/00315125251357047. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to examine the precision, dependability, and relevance of AI-based evaluations in contrast to conventional human evaluations. In all, 200 7-8-year-old students from urban and suburban schools participated in the study. Based on movement speed, accuracy, and smoothness, KineticAI’s assessment of their motor skills divided them into three categories: proficiency, developing, and emerging. A thorough examination of KineticAI’s validity and reliability was ensured by evaluating its psychometric qualities using COSMIN criteria. Furthermore, AI-generated scores and human evaluator ratings were compared using TGMD-3 as a standard. Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC), and Bland-Altman plots were among the statistical techniques used to evaluate the degree of agreement. With an ICC of 0.94, the results show that KineticAI achieves great accuracy and dependability, showing strong consistency with human judgments. With running (3.8), jumping (4.2), hopping (5.1), and balancing (4.9) points, the AI system demonstrated a negligible mean absolute error (MAE) across motor skills, thereby proving its accuracy. Disparities in motor proficiency were also found by gender and school, with suburban girls scoring the lowest and urban boys the highest. These results highlight how crucial it is to provide everyone with fair access to organized physical activity programs to close developmental gaps. The study indicates that KineticAI offers a scalable, objective, and efficient alternative to traditional motor assessments. It is a valuable tool for use in schools, rehabilitation clinics, and sports training programs.

PMID:40600279 | DOI:10.1177/00315125251357047

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2025 Jul 2:traf060. doi: 10.1093/trstmh/traf060. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a vector-borne disease that can lead to serious cardiac alterations. The Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago (TT) is not considered Chagas endemic by major public health organizations, but Trinidad is home to six T. cruzi vector species as well as T. cruzi-infected vertebrate hosts, including humans. Here we present the most comprehensive assessment to date of Chagas disease in TT based on information from published literature, museum specimens, hospital and veterinary records and archival documents. Panstrongylus geniculatus is the most abundant and well-studied T. cruzi vector species in TT, where it is found in and around human homes with human blood meals and with T. cruzi infection prevalences >83%. Wildlife reservoirs of T. cruzi in TT include commonly hunted species, which may pose a risk of T. cruzi transmission during preparation or consumption of infected carcasses. Blood bank data from 2020 showed a 0.5% seropositivity rate for T. cruzi, which is higher than that reported for 13 Chagas-endemic countries. By presenting the entomological, ecological, epidemiological and clinical evidence in a single report, we aim to present what is known about Chagas disease on the island, identify knowledge gaps and pinpoint areas of future research and public health focus, with the goal of sending a call to action for increased attention to Chagas disease in TT.

PMID:40600276 | DOI:10.1093/trstmh/traf060

Vet Clin Pathol. 2025 Jul 2. doi: 10.1111/vcp.70024. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Reference intervals (RIs) are an essential tool for assessment of clinical pathology data of animals, and are particularly important for monitoring the health status of free-ranging and captive wildlife, such as koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus).

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to: (1) provide comprehensive serum biochemistry reference intervals based on clinically healthy South Australian koalas from two populations, Mount Lofty Ranges (MLR) and Kangaroo Island (KI); and (2) identify any factors that can affect biochemical analytes, including koala retrovirus (KoRV) and Chlamydia pecorum subclinical infection status, age, sex, and population.

METHODS: Serum biochemistry analytes were determined in 206 clinically healthy South Australian koalas caught from the wild in 2016 and 2018 using a Cobas 8000 Chemistry Analyzer and analyzed using Reference Value Advisor and SPSS v28 Statistical software.

RESULTS: Biochemical reference intervals were established. Also, clinically and statistically significant differences in analytes were found based on age for alkaline phosphatase and phosphate, and albumin: globulin ratio, globulins, and total protein, most likely associated with physiological bone growth and immunological development, respectively, as observed in other species. Statistically significant differences between animals subclinically positive for KoRV and Chlamydia pecorum, were found for glucose and gamma glutamyl transferase respectively; however, these were marginal, and their reference intervals were similar.

CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to describe serum biochemical reference intervals for clinically healthy South Australian koalas of known Chlamydia and KoRV infection status. It represents an important tool to assist health assessments of koalas by veterinarians, as well as research and population monitoring.

PMID:40600275 | DOI:10.1111/vcp.70024

Circ Heart Fail. 2025 Jul 2:e012777. doi: 10.1161/CIRCHEARTFAILURE.125.012777. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis among older adults (often octogenarians) is increasing. We aimed to determine whether age and geriatric syndromes bear any impact on the management and outcomes in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis and assess the risk of ageism.

METHODS: In a prospective, multicenter cohort study, 256 patients diagnosed with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis from March 2021 to March 2024 underwent comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). The study evaluated the prevalence and clinical associations of CGAs across different disease stages (National Amyloidosis Centre stage). Key CGA domains included disability, malnutrition, depression, frailty, Short Physical Performance Battery, and cumulative deficits (sum of the single CGA items). Associations of these measures with disease-modifying therapy and overall mortality were analyzed.

RESULTS: Median age was 82 years (men: n=223 [87%]; variant: n=19 [7.4%]); 129 (50.3%) patients received disease modifiers. Those ≥85 years had significantly lower odds of receiving disease-modifying therapy even after adjusting for disability, frailty, and cumulative deficits. Over 1.9 (interquartile range, 1.0-2.3) years, 45 (17.6%) patients died. After adjustment for National Amyloidosis Centre stage, diuretics and disease modifiers, CGA domains of disability, malnutrition, Short Physical Performance Battery, frailty, and number of deficits, but not age, were significantly associated with mortality. Assessment of CGA domains improved National Amyloidosis Centre prognostic accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS: In a national prospective cohort of patients with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis, older age was associated with lower prescription of disease modifiers, even among individuals with a low burden of geriatric syndromes. However, when adjusted for geriatric domains, age was not associated with survival, indicating potential ageism. Because some geriatric syndromes may be modifiable, a CGA could enhance risk stratification, reduce age-related bias, and improve outcomes.

PMID:40600269 | DOI:10.1161/CIRCHEARTFAILURE.125.012777

Wound Repair Regen. 2025 Jul-Aug;33(4):e70060. doi: 10.1111/wrr.70060.

ABSTRACT

Split-thickness skin graft donor site wounds present significant challenges in pain management and healing optimization. This intra-individual comparative study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a novel topical solution containing tranexamic acid, adrenaline and bupivacaine versus standard paraffin-chlorhexidine dressings, with side allocation determined by computer randomisation after graft harvesting. Twelve patients received standardised solution application on one donor site and standard treatment on the contralateral site, with each side’s dressing changes performed according to protocol. The treatment group demonstrated significantly lower mean pain scores across all time intervals (1.1 vs. 5.3 at 24 h, p < 0.001). Mean epithelialization rates at Days 10-14 were higher in the treatment group (97.1% vs. 94.8%, p < 0.05), with faster time to complete healing (median 12 vs. 16 days, p = 0.002). No significant hemodynamic changes occurred following solution application, with only one case of transient tachycardia reported. Vancouver Scar Scale scores at eight weeks showed a trend favouring the treatment (3.8 vs. 4.2, p = 0.15), although this difference was not statistically significant. No infections were observed in either group. These findings suggest that this novel topical solution with transparent film dressing effectively reduces pain and accelerates healing in donor site wounds without compromising safety, providing a promising new option for managing these challenging surgical wounds.

PMID:40600255 | DOI:10.1111/wrr.70060

Eur J Orthod. 2025 Jun 12;47(4):cjaf052. doi: 10.1093/ejo/cjaf052.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: to analyze the effects of clear aligner treatment in adult patients with moderate Class III malocclusion, comparing the lower molar distalization and Class III elastics protocol with the application of Class III elastics alone.

NULL HYPOTHESIS: There is no significant difference between lower molar distalization and the use of Class III elastics alone in the correction of Class III disharmony.

TRIAL DESIGN: Two-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio.

PARTICIPANTS: 31 adult patients with moderate Class III malocclusion were blindly assigned into two groups.

INTERVENTIONS: Group 1 (7 f, 8 m; 19.1 ± 1.7 y) was treated with lower molar distalization combined with Class III elastics and dento-alveolar expansion. In Group 2 (9 f, 6 m; 19.7 ± 0.1.3 y) all subjects underwent Class III elastics and dento-alveolar expansion.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: to evaluate changes in the position of the lower first molars and of the lower incisors at the end of both treatment protocols (i.e. lower molar distalization and Class III elastics vs Class III elastics).

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES: to compare sagittal and vertical skeletal changes obtained at the end of treatment with both protocols.

OUTCOME ASSESSMENT: a customized cephalometric analysis, including 16 dento-skeletal variables, was performed before (T0) and at the end of treatment (T1) with an average time interval of about 24 +/- 6 months.

RANDOMIZATION: randomization sequence was generated with a 1:1 allocation ratio.

BLINDING: cephalometric analysis and statistical comparisons were conducted by blinded operators.

RESULTS: 30 patients completed treatment and were included in the final analysis (1 drop-out in Group 2). Group 1 revealed a significant improvement in vertical and sagittal position of both molars and incisors compared to Group 2 (respectively L6-MP, -2.8 mm and -0.6 mm; L6^MP, -0.7° and -2.5°, L6 crown-CoGo, -1.4 mm and -0.2 mm; L6 apex-CoGo, -3.3 mm and -1.5 mm; L1 crown-CoGo, -2.9 mm and + 1.9 mm; L1 apex- CoGo -1.7 mm and + 2.6 mm). Both groups showed a significant increase in upper incisor inclination (Group 1, + 2°; Group 2, + 2.7°), overjet (Group 1, + 1.6 mm; Group 2; + 1.3 mm), and overbite (Group 1, + 1.3 mm; Group 2; + 1.1 mm).

CONCLUSIONS: The lower molar distalization protocol combined with Class III elastics allowed a more significant improvement in occlusal relationships in the treatment of Class III malocclusion in adult patients, compared to a protocol that involves the use of intermaxillary elastics alone.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06859606.

PMID:40600239 | DOI:10.1093/ejo/cjaf052

Eur J Orthod. 2025 Jun 12;47(4):cjaf039. doi: 10.1093/ejo/cjaf039.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Throughout a trial report, clear and accurate reporting is essential. The aim of this study was to assess the reporting quality of RCT abstracts presented at the European Orthodontic Society (EOS) Congress between 2015-2024. Associations between reporting quality and abstract characteristics were explored.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: All EOS Congress scientific abstracts published between 2015-2024 (2020 excluded) were included. Descriptive statistics and frequency distributions were calculated. Mean values for adequate reporting per CONSORT item and sum score were calculated. On an exploratory basis, univariable linear regression between summary score and abstract characteristics was undertaken.

RESULTS: 139 RCT congress abstracts were analysed. The most frequent years of RCT abstract presentation were 2018 (14.4%) and 2023 (19.4%). RCT abstracts were more likely to be poster types (62.6%), with corresponding authors based in Europe (77.7%), single centre (64.7%) and reporting a non-significant result for the primary outcome (54.0%). The mean overall total quality reporting score was 17.6 (SD 5.6, min 15 and max 22.8) out of a maximum score of 50. Items that tended not to be reported include authors contact details, participant (settings), randomization procedures and trial registration. Posters achieved lower scores compared to oral abstracts (-2.96; 95% CI -4.86, -1.07; P < 0.01). Additionally, an abstract word count greater than 251 words was associated with higher total score (3.28; 95% CI 0.74, 5.82; P = 0.012). A weak association (0.29, 95% CI: -0.03-0.62, p = 0.07) between year of abstract publication and an improvement in overall reporting score over time was evident.

LIMITATIONS: Only one society congress were assessed which may impact the generalisability of the results.

CONCLUSIONS: In relation to the CONSORT reporting Randomized Controlled Trials in Journal and Conference Abstracts checklist, RCT abstracts presented at EOS congress between 2015-2024 remain sub-optimal with reporting of key items lacking. However, reporting quality scores have shown an association with type of presentation (oral or poster), abstract word count and some evidence of improvement over time. Measures to encourage clear and consistent RCT abstract reporting are required.

PMID:40600238 | DOI:10.1093/ejo/cjaf039

Int J Nurs Stud Adv. 2025 Jun 1;9:100362. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnsa.2025.100362. eCollection 2025 Dec.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Emergency departments (ED) are imperfect environments for information exchange. Communication interventions at discharge can lower readmission rates and improve adherence to follow-up. However, these interventions are rarely designed in partnership with ED clinicians, youth and their parents.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a theory-based co-design methodology and corresponding process evaluation to improve discharge communication for two common ED presentations: asthma and minor head injury.

METHODS: Eligible participants were clinicians who worked in a pediatric ED and parents and youth (aged 12-17) with recent ED experience for either presentation. Co-design teams followed a structured meeting process guided by the Behaviour Change Wheel to facilitate priority setting and intervention design. Process data was captured through meeting recordings, surveys and exit interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data through thematic analysis.

RESULTS: Each co-design team included eight members (n = 16) participating across eight co-design meetings (mean length: 82 min). The asthma team developed a symptom screening checklist, while the head injury team designed a concussion symptom management tool. Participants reported feeling confident in the co-design process, which increased with active engagement and seeing their decisions incorporated into intervention prototypes. Lengthy meetings and overall time commitment were issues identified by some participants across surveys and interviews.

CONCLUSIONS: A theory-based co-design approach provided a useful structure to partner with youth, parents and ED clinicians to develop discharge communication tools. Consideration is needed when scheduling the timing and length of the co-design meetings to account for the schedules of both service providers and users.

PMID:40600235 | PMC:PMC12209945 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijnsa.2025.100362

Cancer Diagn Progn. 2025 Jun 30;5(4):515-529. doi: 10.21873/cdp.10466. eCollection 2025 Jul-Aug.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of IRE1 and PERK in breast cancer and explored their associations with clinicopathologic characteristics and survival outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cohort of 72 breast cancer specimens and 16 controls was analyzed for IRE1 and PERK expression using immunohistochemistry. Associations with clinicopathological variables, hormone receptor status, tumor markers and survival outcomes were assessed using statistical analyses, including Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS: IRE1 and PERK expression levels were significantly elevated in breast cancer tissues compared to controls (p<0.001). Strong positive correlation was observed between IRE1 and PERK expression (Spearman’s ρ=0.55, p<0.001). High PERK expression was associated with older age (p=0.038) and tumor grade 3 (p=0.042), while high IRE1 expression correlated with advanced TNM stage (p<0.001), estrogen receptor (p=0.031), progesterone receptor (p=0.028), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positivity (p=0.028), as well as increased Ki-67 index (p=0.003), suggesting a more aggressive tumor phenotype. IRE1 expression was significantly associated with sentinel lymph node positivity (p=0.001) but inversely related to axillary lymph node involvement (p=0.031). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that high IRE1 expression [immunoreactivity score (IRS) 5-12] was linked to an increased mortality risk [hazard ratio (HR)=12.19, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.99-150.35, p=0.05], and high PERK expression (IRS 4-12) was similarly associated with worse survival (HR=12.10, 95%CI=1.16-126.30, p=0.04). Tumor stage was the strongest predictor of mortality (HR=79.89, p<0.01).

CONCLUSION: High IRE1 and PERK expression levels are associated with aggressive tumor characteristics and reduced survival in breast cancer, underscoring the importance of the unfolded protein response in carcinogenesis and disease progression.

PMID:40600231 | PMC:PMC12208207 | DOI:10.21873/cdp.10466

Cancer Diagn Progn. 2025 Jun 30;5(4):429-436. doi: 10.21873/cdp.10456. eCollection 2025 Jul-Aug.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: Gastric cancer exhibits significant molecular differences across racial and ethnic groups, influencing prognosis and treatment response. This study aimed to compare the molecular characteristics of gastric cancer between Asian and White populations using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS: TCGA data for gastric cancer patients were analyzed to identify differences in genetic mutations, copy number variations, and transcriptomic profiles between Asian and White populations. Bioinformatics tools and statistical analyses were used to assess molecular alterations and pathway enrichment.

RESULTS: Distinct molecular patterns were observed between the two populations. Asian patients exhibited a higher prevalence of mutations in genes such as TP53 and ARID1A, while White patients showed increased alterations in KRAS and PIK3CA. Differences in immune-related gene expression and tumor microenvironment signatures were also noted, suggesting potential implications for targeted therapies and immunotherapy response.

CONCLUSION: Significant molecular differences exist in gastric cancer between Asian and White populations, showing the need for population-specific treatment strategies. These findings may inform personalized therapeutic approaches and contribute to the advancement of precision oncology.

PMID:40600230 | PMC:PMC12208205 | DOI:10.21873/cdp.10456