Nevin Manimala

J Community Health. 2025 Jun 14. doi: 10.1007/s10900-025-01489-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to measure the HPV vaccine behaviors and intentions of college-aged men. 493 participants, who identified as “male” or “trans man”, from a large university in the Mid-Atlantic were included in this study. An online survey measured several independent variables as well as variables related to HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate each variable after filtering the participants by vaccination status. A binomial logistic regression was used to analyze and predict the effect of each variable on college men’s vaccination status. The academic year in which participants completed the survey, home location, and HPV knowledge were significant predictors of HPV vaccination status. Lack of inclusion of males during conversations about the HPV vaccine could be the source of the differences between male and female HPV vaccination behavior and intention.

PMID:40515894 | DOI:10.1007/s10900-025-01489-z

Metabolomics. 2025 Jun 14;21(4):78. doi: 10.1007/s11306-025-02265-9.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, with its burden increasing over the past decades. Early diagnosis significantly improves survival rates and reduces lethality. Innovative technologies are being developed for early detection, making accurate tumor identification crucial.

OBJECTIVES: The research aims to identify significant metabolomics biomarkers that can help in detecting tumor progression, which could contribute to early breast cancer diagnosis.

METHODS: A dataset of 228 metabolites from breast cancer patients and healthy individuals was curated from the Metabolomics Workbench Database. Statistical tests and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms were applied for feature selection, assessing normality, variance homogeneity, and significance Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) with a Random Forest (RF) classifier was used to identify a minimal set of six significant metabolites with strong predictive potential. A Ridge Classifier was employed for classification, achieving an 83% accuracy in distinguishing between cancerous and healthy individuals.

RESULTS: A minimal set of six significant metabolites was identified in plasma samples. The developed model showed an 83% accuracy in classifying cancerous vs. healthy individuals using the Ridge Classifier.

CONCLUSION: The study provides valuable insights into metabolomic changes associated with breast cancer, identifying potential biomarkers that could enhance early detection and diagnosis.

PMID:40515893 | DOI:10.1007/s11306-025-02265-9

Lifetime Data Anal. 2025 Jun 14. doi: 10.1007/s10985-025-09658-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

We study shape-constrained nonparametric estimation of the underlying survival function in a cross-sectional study without follow-up. Assuming the rate of initiation event is stationary over time, the observed current duration becomes a length-biased and multiplicatively censored counterpart of the underlying failure time of interest. We focus on two shape constraints for the underlying survival function, namely, log-concavity and convexity. The log-concavity constraint is versatile as it allows for log-concave densities, bi-log-concave distributions, increasing densities, and multi-modal densities. We establish the consistency and pointwise asymptotic distribution of the shape-constrained estimators. Specifically, the proposed estimator under log-concavity is consistent and tuning-parameter-free, thus circumventing the well-known inconsistency issue of the Grenander estimator at 0, where correction methods typically involve tuning parameters.

PMID:40515884 | DOI:10.1007/s10985-025-09658-x

Support Care Cancer. 2025 Jun 14;33(7):579. doi: 10.1007/s00520-025-09575-7.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus (LGBTQ+) cancer survivors are at risk of financial hardship due to multilevel factors amplified by anti-LGBTQ+ stigma. Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) cancer survivors may experience greater financial hardship than cisgender lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals, but data on LGBTQ+ individuals is often reported in aggregate. We describe differences in crowdfunding experiences between TGD and LGB cancer crowdfunding campaigns to address this gap in TGD cancer-related financial hardship literature.

METHODS: We used a mixed methods approach to evaluate LGBTQ+ cancer crowdfunding campaigns from GoFundMe’s website, coded as TGD or LGB. Campaign data (amount raised, funding goal, etc.) were compared using summary statistics and independent t-tests. Qualitative content analysis described campaign text. Quantitative and qualitative findings were integrated by theme.

RESULTS: A total of N = 470 LGBTQ+ cancer campaigns were included for this analysis, of which 175 (32.5%) were TGD campaigns and 295 (54.8%) were LGB. TGD campaigns raised 39% less than LGB campaigns ($7782 [$5842-$9723] vs. $12,724 [$10,525-$14,924], p < 0.0001). TGD campaigns had more mentions of perceived stigma in healthcare spaces and fewer mentions of caregiver support.

CONCLUSIONS: TGD cancer campaigns earned significantly less money than LGB campaigns, suggesting that TGD cancer survivors may face more challenges in using community-based financial support mechanisms to mitigate financial hardship. Structural stigma and transphobia may be impacting the amount of funds raised by TGD cancer survivors through crowdfunding.

PMID:40515868 | DOI:10.1007/s00520-025-09575-7

Environ Monit Assess. 2025 Jun 14;197(7):752. doi: 10.1007/s10661-025-14246-5.

ABSTRACT

This study examines the spatial and temporal characteristics of heatwaves (HWs) in Türkiye, a region predominantly characterized by an arid-semiarid macro-Mediterranean climate, which is susceptible to frequent droughts. Using daily maximum temperature data from 277 meteorological stations across Türkiye (1970-2022), the research analyzes HW frequency, duration, and intensity, adopting a definition aligned with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Temporal trends were assessed using statistical trend analysis, while spatial patterns were evaluated through spatial autocorrelation methods. The findings indicate a statistically significant increase in the frequency of heatwaves over time, with the annual average number of events rising from approximately 5 in the 1970s to over 10 since the 2000s. This trend is particularly evident in the Marmara, Aegean, and Black Sea regions. Trend analysis results reveal that heatwave duration has exhibited a statistically significant increase throughout the study period in 96.4% of the analyzed stations. The most pronounced increases have been observed in the Marmara, Black Sea, and Eastern Mediterranean regions. These results underscore the growing impact of climate change on Türkiye and highlight the need for targeted adaptation and mitigation strategies. Insights from this study can inform the development of early warning systems, resource allocation, and public health preparedness, ultimately enhancing community and ecosystem resilience to climate-related challenges.

PMID:40515861 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-025-14246-5

Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2025 Jun 14;145(1):344. doi: 10.1007/s00402-025-05914-9.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Hip fractures are among the most common injuries sustained by geriatric patients. Expedient surgery is advocated, but striking the balance of early surgical intervention and medical optimization remains a challenge. Prior studies have shown that preoperative transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) delays hip fracture surgery, but indications for TTEs are unclear. As such, the purpose of our study was to determine the proportion of TTEs for geriatric hip fracture patients that were indicated per established guidelines: American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines, history of pulmonary hypertension, syncope/stroke work-up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective case control study of 113 consecutive geriatric hip fracture patients who underwent preoperative TTEs from 1/2018 to 12/2019 at 2 Academic Level 1 Trauma Centers were examined. 113 matched (age±5 years, sex, fracture type, surgery, surgery within 1 year of TTE patient) hip fracture patients who did not undergo preoperative TTE were identified for comparison. The primary outcome was the proportion of TTEs that were indicated per established guidelines. Secondary outcome measures included: change in perioperative management, time to surgery, length of stay (LOS), 90-day complications and mortality, and 2-year mortality.

RESULTS: Eighty-one (71.7%) TTEs were indicated. Seventeen (15.0%) patients underwent additional preoperative interventions. More TTE patients had an arterial (p < 0.0001) and/or central line (p < 0.03). The TTE group had longer time to surgery with median time to surgery of 44.8 h vs. 24.2 h for the non-TTE group (p < 0.0001). LOS was longer for TTE patients with median LOS of 7 days vs. 5 days for the non-TTE patients (p < 0.0001). There was higher 90-day mortality for the TTE group (odds ratio 4.4, 95% confidence interval 1.3-14.7, p < 0.03) but no difference at 2-years.

CONCLUSION: Preoperative TTEs are associated with delay in surgery and higher 90-day mortality even though many of these TTEs are indicated per established guidelines and may result in changes in perioperative management. These results highlight the need for expedient preoperative evaluation of hip fracture patients.

PMID:40515855 | DOI:10.1007/s00402-025-05914-9

Urolithiasis. 2025 Jun 14;53(1):114. doi: 10.1007/s00240-025-01780-7.

ABSTRACT

Accurate estimation of stone fragment size during ureteroscopy facilitates safe extraction. We aimed to determine whether training experience improves the accuracy of estimating fragment size. Six mock stones (range 1.2-7.4 mm) were placed in a renal model for simulated flexible ureteroscopy. Urology residents and high-volume ureteroscopy surgeons estimated fragment size and extractability through a 12/14-French sheath. Responses were compared among 3 training levels (PGY 1-2, PGY 3-5, and surgeons) and analyzed by objective measures of surgical experience and technical skill. Categorical and continuous variables were analyzed using ANOVA and Pearson correlation, respectively. 16 residents and 6 surgeons were included. Participants underestimated fragment size by 30% overall. As fragment size increased, the discrepancy between estimates and true size also increased. There was no statistical difference in accuracy among training groups and no association with experience or skill. Participants nearly always (98%) correctly identified < 4 mm fragments as extractable; in contrast, participants identified > 4 mm fragments as not extractable only 59% of the time. There was similarly no difference in predicting extraction by training level, experience, or skill. Both novice and experienced surgeons substantially underestimate fragment size during ureteroscopy, which may increase the risk of unsafe extraction. Technologies that enable real-time measurement may improve accuracy, regardless of surgeon experience.

PMID:40515834 | DOI:10.1007/s00240-025-01780-7

Pediatr Radiol. 2025 Jun 14. doi: 10.1007/s00247-025-06284-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The standard method for diagnosing Meckel diverticulum and identifying ectopic gastric mucosa is ^{99 m}Tc-pertechnetate imaging. Premedication with H₂ receptor antagonists enhances the scan’s sensitivity by reducing the washout of ^{99 m}Tc-pertechnetate activity from the intestinal lumen.

OBJECTIVE: After the withdrawal of ranitidine, we compared the efficacy of the proton pump inhibitor pantoprazole as an alternative premedication agent for ^{99 m}Tc-pertechnetate Meckel diverticulum imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study assessed the scan quality of 141 children (aged 1 month to 204 months (median = 84 months)) who underwent Meckel scintigraphy over 10 years at a single institution. Before its withdrawal in December 2020, ranitidine was utilized for premedication, while pantoprazole was used thereafter. Therefore, patients were divided into two premedication groups: ranitidine (n = 88) and pantoprazole (n = 53). A high-quality scan was defined as having no ^{99 m}Tc-pertechnetate activity in the duodenal and other intestinal lumens. The effectiveness of pantoprazole in reducing ^{99 m}Tc-pertechnetate release in the duodenum and other intestinal lumens was compared to that of ranitidine. Differences in scan quality between the groups were analyzed using the two-proportion Z-test. In patients with positive scans, the lesion-to-background activity ratio of the Meckel diverticulum was measured and compared between the premedication groups.

RESULTS: Premedication with pantoprazole resulted in 47.2% of scans showing no ^{99 m}Tc-pertechnetate release, 37.7% with activity localized either in the duodenum or other intestine, and 15.1% exhibiting activity in both regions. In comparison, ranitidine resulted in 45.5% of scans with no ^{99 m}Tc-pertechnetate release, 40.9% with activity localized either in the duodenum or other intestine, and 13.6% showing activity in both regions. P-values were not found to be significant in all comparisons. Twelve scans were positive; all patients had Meckel diverticulum confirmed at surgery. For positive scans, the lesion-to-background activity ratio for the Meckel diverticulum was similar between the ranitidine and pantoprazole groups.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that pantoprazole is statistically non-inferior to ranitidine regarding scan quality and lesion-to-background activity ratios for Meckel diverticulum detection. Pantoprazole offers a reliable alternative for clinical protocols in the absence of ranitidine.

PMID:40515817 | DOI:10.1007/s00247-025-06284-5

Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2025 Jun 14. doi: 10.1007/s00417-025-06874-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To analyze choriocapillaris (CC) perfusion using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography angiography (SD-OCTA) in five CC slabs in patients with intermediate age-related macular degeneration (iAMD).

METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of 23 eyes of 20 patients who underwent three 3 × 3 mm OCTA, one with SS-OCTA and two with SD-OCTA, a non-averaged scan (V1) and a four-scan volume (V4). Percentage of flow deficits (FD%), average size of FD (µm2), total area of FD (mm2) and number of FD were calculated in different CC slabs (automatic, 11-21 μm, 21-31 μm, 31-41 μm, 16-31 μm).

RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in all parameters and all slabs analyzed, when comparing SS-OCTA versus SD-OCTA V1 and SD-OCTA V1 versus SD-OCTA V4. Nevertheless, when comparing SS-OCTA versus SD-OCTA V4, significant differences were only found for the automatic and the 31-41 μm slab. When comparing the FD% between different slabs on the same device, significant differences were also found.

CONCLUSION: Quantification of CC FD% is impacted by the CC slab, the type of OCTA used, and volume averaging in SD-OCTA. Given the significant impact on quantitative results, comparisons between studies and instruments and/or with/without averaging are difficult, even at the same slab depth.

PMID:40515815 | DOI:10.1007/s00417-025-06874-x

Lasers Med Sci. 2025 Jun 14;40(1):279. doi: 10.1007/s10103-025-04528-2.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40515796 | DOI:10.1007/s10103-025-04528-2