Nevin Manimala

Eur Radiol. 2025 Aug 8. doi: 10.1007/s00330-025-11856-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Early filling defects in the left atrial appendage (LAA), observed during the early phase of cardiac computed tomography (CT), are associated with increased risks of stroke and cardiovascular events. This study aims to evaluate the relationships between left atrial volume (LAV), left atrial appendage volume (LAAV), and the LAA orifice area, as well as identify factors associated with early LAA filling defects in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, using optimized cardiac phases in multiphase CT imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed 562 patients with AF who underwent cardiac CT before pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Relationships between LAV, LAAV, and LAA orifice area were assessed using Pearson’s rank correlation coefficients. Factors associated with early LAA filling defects were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine the threshold value predictive of these defects. The impact of PVI on defect resolution was also assessed.

RESULTS: Left atrial volume index (LAVI) was significantly correlated with LAAV index (ρ = 0.59, p < 0.001) and LAA orifice area index (ρ = 0.66, p < 0.001). Maximum LAVI was independently associated with early LAA filling defects (p < 0.001), with a threshold of 78.5 cm³/m² yielding 81.9% sensitivity and 77.6% specificity. Among 49 patients with initial defects, 27 underwent follow-up CT after PVI, and 88.9% showed resolution accompanied by significant LAV reductions.

CONCLUSION: The maximum LAVI is a critical factor associated with LAA early filling defects, with reductions in LAV after PVI leading to defect resolution.

KEY POINTS: Question What factors are associated with early left atrial appendage (LAA) filling defects, and do these defects resolve following pulmonary vein isolation (PVI)? Findings A left atrial volume index (LAVI) threshold of 78.5 cm³/m² is associated with early LAA filling defects, which resolve after PVI-induced reductions in LAVI. Clinical relevance Identifying the association between LAVI and early LAA filling defects may improve risk stratification for cardiovascular and thromboembolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation. PVI-induced reductions in LAVI could contribute to a decrease in the risk of such events.

PMID:40779165 | DOI:10.1007/s00330-025-11856-y

Eur Radiol. 2025 Aug 8. doi: 10.1007/s00330-025-11838-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Functional pulmonary MRI can assess the pathophysiology of regional ventilation, provided that nominal ventilatory patterns are characterised as a baseline. This study investigates common features and their associated gravity dependence using 3D MR spirometry in freely breathing healthy volunteers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Repeated dynamic lung MR acquisitions were performed at 3 T on 25 healthy volunteers breathing freely in the supine and prone positions. Three-dimensional maps of tidal volumes (TV), peak expiratory flows (SPEF), expiratory flows at 25% of tidal volume (SEF25), and anisotropy deformation index (ADI) were inferred and normalised. Intra- and inter-volunteer reproducibility was evaluated using percentage differences (PD) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), while gravity dependence was tested using a paired Wilcoxon test.

RESULTS: Twenty-five volunteers (mean age, 45 years ± 17 [standard deviation]; 15 males) were included. Respiratory parametric maps are found spatially inhomogeneous throughout each volunteer’s lung, with large coefficients of variation ranging between 30 and 63%. Yet, the main respiratory patterns are shared among volunteers with common features primarily governed by lung gravity dependence for TV, SPEF, and SEF25 (p < 0.05). Spirometry biomarkers are globally repeatable despite intrinsic physiological variabilities (median PD: 5.7-9.2%, ICC: 0.71-0.88), and fairly repeatable locally after normalisations (median PD: 11-19%, ICC: 0.78-0.90).

CONCLUSION: 3D MR spirometry exhibits shared respiratory features between individuals with gravity dependence. Intra-volunteer repeatability and global accuracy were found, demonstrating the reliability of the technique. A new baseline is established for regional lung pathophysiology.

KEY POINTS: Question Nominal ventilatory patterns in free breathing need to be characterised for regional pathophysiology. Findings Functional ventilatory maps showed significant inhomogeneity, but key patterns, primarily governed by gravity, were consistent across subjects. 3D MR spirometry demonstrated reliability despite physiological variability. Clinical relevance 3D MR spirometry is a reliable technique for absolute quantification of the regional ventilation and its dynamic. Nominal spatial patterns of the ventilation should be considered for assessing regional pathophysiology in free breathing.

PMID:40779164 | DOI:10.1007/s00330-025-11838-0

J Sci Food Agric. 2025 Aug 8. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.70117. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Consumption of gluten-free products is increasing, especially among individuals with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. The present study aimed to comparatively evaluate non-gluten-free (non-GF) and gluten-free (GF) products in terms of nutritional quality and cost in Turkey. Data on nutritional content and cost were collected from labels of 456 packaged GF and non-GF food products available in Turkey. Products were categorized into nine food groups, and the Health Star Rating (HSR) system was used to assess nutritional quality.

RESULTS: Gluten-free breads, pastas, flours, biscuits, cookies and snacks had significantly lower protein content (P < 0.05). Although the HSR star count of non-GF foods was higher in the breads and flours group, the HSR star count of GF foods was higher in the biscuits and cookies, oats and candies group (P < 0.05). Statistically significant results were obtained in all food groups except oats and the unit cost of non-GF foods was lower than GF foods (P < 0.05). Although an increase in number of HSR stars was observed with decrease in energy, carbohydrate, total sugar, fat, saturated fat, sodium and cost, an increase in number of HSR stars was observed with an increase in protein and fiber (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The nutritional value of GF products, particularly commercially available flours, is not superior to that of non-GF products, whereas GF foods are generally more than twice as expensive. Although enhancing variety, nutritional quality and affordability of GF products could improve quality of life for individuals requiring a GF diet, these products are unlikely to offer significant health benefits for those without confirmed gluten-related diseases. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID:40778429 | DOI:10.1002/jsfa.70117

ACS Mater Lett. 2025 Jun 30;7(8):2695-2701. doi: 10.1021/acsmaterialslett.5c00263. eCollection 2025 Aug 4.

ABSTRACT

Heat transport in glasses over a wide temperature range is critical for applications in gate dielectrics and thermal insulators but remains poorly understood due to the challenges in modeling vibrational anharmonicity and configurational dynamics across the glass transition. Recent predictions show an unusual decrease in thermal conductivity (κ) with temperature in amorphous hafnia (a-HfO₂), contrasting with the typical trend in glasses. Using molecular dynamics with a machine-learning-based neuroevolution potential, we compute κ of a-HfO₂ from 50 K to 2000 K. At low temperatures, the Wigner transport equation captures both anharmonicity and quantum statistics. Above 1200 K, atomic diffusion invalidates the quasiparticle picture, and we resort to the Green-Kubo method to capture convective transport. We further extend the Wigner transport equation to supercooled a-HfO₂, revealing the crucial role of low-frequency modes in facilitating heat transport. The computed κ, based on both Green-Kubo and Wigner transport theories, increases continuously with temperature up to 2000 K.

PMID:40778389 | PMC:PMC12326390 | DOI:10.1021/acsmaterialslett.5c00263

ACS Mater Lett. 2025 Jul 12;7(8):2902-2909. doi: 10.1021/acsmaterialslett.5c00878. eCollection 2025 Aug 4.

ABSTRACT

The blending of glassy copolymer-brush modified colloids with a viscoelastic linear copolymer featuring intrinsic self-healing enabled disordered hyperuniform hybrid materials that combined mechanical robustness with structural color, processability, environmental stability, and the ability to recover structure and properties after incurring physical damage via ‘integrated self-healing’. Symmetric linear n-butyl acrylate/methyl methacrylate (BA/MMA) were co-assembled with asymmetric glassy BA/MMA statistical copolymer brush (silica) particles. ‘Confinement-driven segregation’ resulted in a microphase-separated morphology in which the linear copolymer resided within the interstitial regions of a rigid (∼1 GPa) copolymer brush particle template with disordered hyperuniform microstructure. Diffusion of the self-healing copolymer additive into damage regions drove the recovery after damage, along with the restoration of structural color due to the materials hyperuniform microstructure. The synergistic action of intrinsic and extrinsic healing mechanisms could provide a versatile platform for the bottom-up fabrication of multifunctional hybrid materials with increased damage resistance and functional longevity.

PMID:40778388 | PMC:PMC12326392 | DOI:10.1021/acsmaterialslett.5c00878

Data Brief. 2025 Jul 23;62:111910. doi: 10.1016/j.dib.2025.111910. eCollection 2025 Oct.

ABSTRACT

This dataset provides a high-resolution, spatially explicit baseline of Ecuadorian cropping systems and associated pedoclimatic conditions to support long-term modeling of soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics and biomass resource planning. The dataset is built from national sources, including Ecuadorian agricultural statistics and crop production surveys spanning 2002 – 2019. Ten dominant crops, representing over 90 % of the country’s cultivated area, are characterized across 23,021 Agricultural Pedoclimatic Units (APCUs), each defined by unique combinations of soil attributes, climate variables, and crop types. For each APCU, the dataset includes theoretical harvestable crop residue potentials, above- and belowground carbon inputs, and SOC-relevant parameters such as root depth distribution and biomass composition. Residue-to-product ratios (RPR), root-to-shoot biomass ratios (R:S), and biomass-to-carbon conversion coefficients were compiled through a comprehensive literature review and transparently documented. Additionally, the dataset includes monthly projections of average temperature, cumulative precipitation, and estimated evapotranspiration from 2020 to 2070 under the RCP4.5 climate scenario. Temperature and precipitation data were obtained from downscaled daily projections based on an ensemble of global climate models, and evapotranspiration was subsequently calculated using the Thornthwaite method. All variables were spatially assigned to each APCU. This open-access dataset is designed for reuse in soil carbon modeling frameworks, supports the design of biomass mobilization strategies, and informs climate-smart land-use strategies in tropical agricultural systems.

PMID:40778376 | PMC:PMC12329475 | DOI:10.1016/j.dib.2025.111910

Forensic Sci Int Synerg. 2025 Jul 29;11:100633. doi: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100633. eCollection 2025 Dec.

ABSTRACT

Forensic genetic frequency databases (FGFD) are used in estimating the probability of a DNA match in forensic investigations. They provide reference population data that can be used for statistical estimation for the rarity of a genotype, haplotype or a DNA profile in a population hence giving probative value for forensic evidence. Currently, three FGFD databases are recommended by the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG) for forensic use; the Y-Chromosome Haplotype Reference Database (YHRD), the EDNAP Mitochondrial DNA Population Database (EMPOP), and the STRs for Identity ENFSI Reference Database (STRidER). There is need to generate updated and comprehensive genetic frequency data for the Kenyan population in compliance with ethical standards. This study sought to develop a forensic biobank to facilitate generation of comprehensive genetic frequency data for the Kenyan population. A total of 893 samples were collected from study volunteers in compliance with prescribed ethical standards. The data set comprises 60.8 % Bantu, 24.9 % Nilotic, and 14.3 % Cushitic samples closely mirroring current population structure in Kenya. The samples are currently stored in duplicate as FTA cards and extracted DNA. 132 quality mitogenome reference data has been generated for the coastal region in Kenya. With the broad consent obtained, the resource will be used to generate additional mitogenome reference data for other geographical regions, Y-chromosome haplotype and autosomal STRs for inclusion in recommended forensic databases as per revised guidelines. With the emergence of new technologies in forensic genetics, we anticipate the resource will be valuable in forensic genetics validation studies in future.

PMID:40778372 | PMC:PMC12329276 | DOI:10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100633

Ophthalmol Sci. 2025 May 17;5(6):100828. doi: 10.1016/j.xops.2025.100828. eCollection 2025 Nov-Dec.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To achieve clear in vivo imaging and systematic quantification of choriocapillaris (CC), enabling the exploration of age-related and disease-related changes of CC within a large sample size.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1050 eyes from 727 individuals, comprising 633 healthy eyes, 277 eyes with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and 140 eyes with high myopia.

METHODS: The 3-dimensional (3D) topographic maps of CC were obtained by performing image enhancement, depth reconstruction, and 3D rendering on a single OCT angiography enface image. Based on this map, we targeted key quantitative parameters to analyze vessel thickness, vascular complexity, vascular distribution uniformity, and blood perfusion of CC. We statistically analyzed the correlation between CC metrics and age in healthy population, as well as differences in CC metrics between healthy and diseased populations. To further explore the association between changes in CC and choroidal large vessels, we defined a parameter called “arterial zone (AZ) to venous zone (VZ) ratio” to assess the choroidal large-vessel perfusion.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The 3D topographic map of CC, 8 parameters of CC, and AZ/VZ.

RESULTS: The 3D topographic map effectively displayed the morphology of CC while maintaining high image accuracy. Statistical analysis revealed that with aging, the vessel thickness of CC in healthy eyes became thicker, and there was a decrease in vascular complexity, distribution uniformity, and perfusion. Additionally, AZ/VZ exhibited a trend of initial decline followed by an increase. In eyes with increasing severity of AMD, the vessel thickness of CC showed bidirectional changes followed by significant thickening. Complexity and distribution uniformity initially increased, followed by a marked decrease, whereas blood perfusion decreased initially before increasing. However, no significant intergroup differences in AZ/VZ were observed. In highly myopic eyes, compared to healthy eyes, the CC exhibited vessel thickening, reduced complexity and distribution uniformity, decreased perfusion, and a significant reduction in AZ/VZ.

CONCLUSIONS: This study explores age-related and disease-related CC changes via clear in vivo imaging and quantification. It aids understanding of CC states and may contribute to early disease diagnosis and prognosis.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES: Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

PMID:40778359 | PMC:PMC12329102 | DOI:10.1016/j.xops.2025.100828

Front Psychiatry. 2025 Jul 24;16:1533652. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1533652. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Traditional Chinese medicine is one of the important methods for treating chronic insomnia disorder (CID).

AIMS: We aimed to observe the multi-dimensional clinical outcomes of modified suanzaoren decoction (SZRD) compared to esazolam tablets in the treatment of CID patients.

METHODS: A total of 80 patients with CID were divided into two treatment groups, and were given modified SZRD and esazolam tablets treatment respectively for 6 weeks. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Insomnia Severity Index, Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Hamilton Depression Scale, polysomnography (PSG), repeated battery for the assessment of neuropsychological status were performed to assess the changes of subjective and objective sleep, mood, and cognitive function.

RESULTS: Intra-group improvement: Compared to before treatment, both the modified SZRD and estazolam groups showed improvements in subjective sleep, depression, anxiety, immediate memory, and delayed memory scores (P<0.05). Inter-group comparison: There was a significant difference between the modified SZRD and estazolam groups in subjective PSQI scores (P=0.033). Based on PSG objective assessment results, both the estazolam and modified SZRD groups demonstrated a significant increase in N3 stage sleep (slow-wave sleep) duration compared to before treatment (P=0.037). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the effect size between the two groups (P>0.05), indicating that both interventions were equivalent in improving deep sleep. Nevertheless, residual variance analysis indicates that estazolam showed enhanced predictive stability in subjective sleep quality assessed by ISI (SSR=11.73 vs. 31.19; F=13.39, P<0.001), while modified SZRD exhibited enhanced predictive stability in objective slow-wave sleep maintenance, specifically in N3 stage duration (SSR=703.11 vs. 1761.08; F=4.98, P=0.029).

CONCLUSION: After the treatment of CID with the modified SZRD and esazolam, they have the comparable clinical efficacy. However, estazolam showed a more consistent treatment effect in subjective sleep quality assessment among the study population, whereas modified SZRD showed a more consistent treatment effect in objective slow-wave sleep maintenance, specifically in N3 stage duration. The registration number was NCT06452953.

PMID:40778328 | PMC:PMC12328296 | DOI:10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1533652

Front Psychiatry. 2025 Jul 23;16:1624825. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1624825. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adolescents are in a critical stage of development and represent a high-risk population for depression. Various studies have demonstrated the efficacy of acupuncture therapies in the treatment of adolescent depression. However, trials directly comparing the efficacy and safety of different acupuncture therapies for adolescent depression are still lacking. To identify the optimal acupuncture therapy for treating adolescent depression, we will conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis of various acupuncture therapies for adolescent depression.

METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in adolescent depression will be systematically searched across the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases from inception to December 2025. Study quality will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (RoB 2.0), while the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis (CINeMA) framework will evaluate evidence certainty. The primary outcomes will be included at least one validated depression rating scale for adolescent. Secondary endpoints include safety outcomes, measured by the incidence of adverse events during the study period. Bayesian network meta-analysis will be performed using the gemtc package (v0.8-7) in R statistical software (version 4.0.5).

DISCUSSION: This study will clarify the comparative efficacy and safety of acupuncture for adolescent depression, guiding clinical decision-making.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: identifier (CRD 42024581768).

PMID:40778325 | PMC:PMC12329222 | DOI:10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1624825