Tag: nevin manimala

Front Vet Sci. 2025 Apr 25;12:1486786. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1486786. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is the most prevalent cancer of the urinary tract in dogs. The prognosis is often poor, and the optimal standard treatment has not been established. The objectives of this study were to (1) describe the clinical outcomes of dogs with TCC, and (2) determine the potential effects of tumor locations and treatment modalities on the survival times of patients. Electronic records of client-owned dogs with TCC treated with different modalities in a large veterinary hospital in Hong Kong (2005-2024) were evaluated. Of 84 confirmed cases included in the study, 49 (58.3%) died or were euthanized due to TCC. Tumors were located in the bladder neck or trigone region (41), apex (26), prostate (10), and urethra (7). Metastases were detected in 10 patients (12%) at diagnosis, including 4 peripheral lymph nodes, 4 lungs, and 2 in the lumbar spine. Of 84 cases, 4 (4.8%) did not receive any treatments, 14 (16.7%) underwent surgery, 25 (29.7%) received metronomic chemotherapy with chlorambucil with/without methotrexate, 27 (32.1%) received COX-2 inhibitors alone, and 14 (16.7%) received conventional chemotherapy, of which, 5 were later switched to metronomic chemotherapy. The overall median survival time was 233 days. There was no statistically significant difference in patients’ survival between tumor locations (p > 0.05), aside from tumors involving the prostate that had the shortest MST (88 days). Metronomic chemotherapy led to a significantly longer survival time (median of 303 days) than the other treatment groups (p < 0.05), with the lowest incidence of adverse events. Metronomic chemotherapy using chlorambucil was well-tolerated and can be considered as a single modality treatment or as adjunctive therapy to conventional chemotherapy in dogs with TCC.

PMID:40351774 | PMC:PMC12063355 | DOI:10.3389/fvets.2025.1486786

Front Vet Sci. 2025 Apr 25;12:1527167. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1527167. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Although metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1) is known to play a role in cancer invasion and metastasis of various cancers, the clinical significance of its expression in canine urothelial carcinoma (UC) has not been explored. We sought to evaluate the expression of MTA1, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) and E-cadherin (E-cad) in association with clinicopathological parameters in clinical samples of canine UC.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed UC tissues from 28 canine patients using immunohistochemistry for Ki67, CD31, MTA1, COX2, and E-cad staining. Statistical significance for marker staining intensities was evaluated by ANOVA or Student’s t-test. The correlation between molecular markers in canine UC samples detected by IHC and clinicopathological features was calculated by the Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney) and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Western blot analysis was performed for detection of EMT markers in canine cell lines.

RESULTS: We show that MTA1 and COX2 are overexpressed in canine UC samples compared to normal canine bladder samples, whereas E-cad levels are higher in normal bladder. The results demonstrated that MTA1 expression correlated with aggressive clinicopathological features such as high tumor-grade, muscular/vascular invasion, and metastasis. The expression of MTA1 differed in tumors depending on their localization, with the highest being in the urethra adjoining the prostate. Unexpectedly, higher E-cad levels were detected in metastatic tumor cells compared to primary tumor cells.

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that MTA1 may represent a key upstream effector tightly associated with COX2 and E-cad-mediated events in canine UC. Accordingly, MTA1 may be considered a feasible interceptive and therapeutic target for canine UC treatment.

PMID:40351767 | PMC:PMC12062746 | DOI:10.3389/fvets.2025.1527167

Patient Prefer Adherence. 2025 May 5;19:1305-1316. doi: 10.2147/PPA.S524090. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Insomnia and perceived stress are among the most prevalent health concerns in primary care, yet their complex relationship remains underexplored. This study examines the association between perceived stress and insomnia severity, while considering the potential moderating or mediating effects of lifestyle factors and medication use.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 300 consecutive primary care patients who completed validated questionnaires assessing insomnia severity (Insomnia Severity Index, ISI) and perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale, PSS). Logistic regression models were employed to identify predictors of clinical insomnia and explore key relationships.

RESULTS: A moderate but statistically significant correlation (r = 0.460, p < 0.001) was observed between perceived stress and insomnia severity. In logistic regression analysis, higher perceived stress scores (OR = 1.134, p < 0.001) and hypnotic medication use (OR = 3.220, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of clinical insomnia. Interestingly, alcohol consumption was unexpectedly associated with insomnia (OR = 0.551, p = 0.048), warranting further exploration. No significant associations were found for caffeine intake, tobacco use, or demographic variables. The model explained 33% of the variance in insomnia (Nagelkerke R² = 0.328).

CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the significant role of perceived stress in insomnia severity and underscore the complex interplay between pharmacological interventions and sleep disturbances. While hypnotic medications are commonly used, their long-term impact and potential dependence require careful consideration. Integrating stress-reduction strategies into primary care may improve insomnia management while reducing reliance on pharmacological treatments. Future research should employ longitudinal designs to clarify causality and further explore additional factors influencing sleep disturbances.

PMID:40351739 | PMC:PMC12063695 | DOI:10.2147/PPA.S524090

J Patient Exp. 2025 May 9;12:23743735251342125. doi: 10.1177/23743735251342125. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic influenced dental care behaviors, with increased concern over virus transmission. This study provides insights into Thai patient behaviors and attitudes about dental care during the Omicron wave. A cross-sectional survey was conducted via Google Forms in June 2022, collecting sociodemographic data, attitudes, and behaviors related to dental care during the pandemic. Nine hundred and seventy-eight responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U-test, and multiple linear regression. Nearly half of the respondents expressed high to extreme concerns about delayed dental care affecting oral health (49.3%) and the risk of contracting COVID-19 in dental settings (45.7%). Individuals who avoided dental visits increased from 8.1% before the pandemic to 36.3% during the pandemic. However, 59.4% of respondents reported confidence in avoiding COVID-19 when dental workers strictly followed preventive measures. The study highlights concern over delayed dental care and COVID-19 risks, leading to increased avoidance of visits. However, strict preventive measures by dental workers boosted confidence, emphasizing the need for effective infection control to ensure continued access to dental care.

PMID:40351734 | PMC:PMC12065987 | DOI:10.1177/23743735251342125

Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2025 May 4;73:152743. doi: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2025.152743. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of overall malignancies, hematologic malignancies and solid tumors in patients with Sjögren’s disease (SjD) compared to the general population. Furthermore, it sought to identify independent predictors of malignancy and quantify the impact of cancer on mortality.

METHODS: This prospective, multicenter study included 314 patients clinically diagnosed with SjD and fulfilling 2002 American-European Consensus Group criteria, with a median follow-up of 9.5 years. Clinical, demographic, and serological data were collected, along with malignancy incidence and mortality outcomes. SIRs were calculated using GLOBOCAN data. Multivariate Cox regression identified malignancy predictors. The relative risk (RR) of death and the etiologic fraction in exposed individuals (EFE) assessed cancer-related mortality.

RESULTS: A total of 22 malignancies (7.01%) were identified, including 11 hematologic malignancies (50%) and 11 solid tumors (50%). The overall cancer risk was increased (SIR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.68-1.69), with a substantially higher risk for hematologic malignancies (SIR: 3.55, 95% CI: 3.54-3.56) and a moderate increase for solid tumors (SIR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.53-1.55). All hematologic malignancies were non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL). Independent predictors of malignancy included older age, smoking, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and cryoglobulinemia. Cancer was responsible for 23.8% of deaths (RR: 2.21, EFE: 55%).

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SjD have an elevated malignancy risk, mainly driven by NHL, while solid tumor risk remains modest. Malignancy was a significant contributor to mortality. These findings underscore the need for better risk stratification and targeted surveillance in high-risk SjD patients for early detection and intervention.

PMID:40349421 | DOI:10.1016/j.semarthrit.2025.152743

Brain Dev. 2025 May 10;47(4):104367. doi: 10.1016/j.braindev.2025.104367. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Fragile X syndrome (FXS) commonly cause developmental delay, intellectual disability, and autism spectrum disorder. Although genetic testing has been available and included in Japan’s national health insurance since 2016, the number of cases diagnosed with FXS remains low. This study aimed to explore the levels of awareness and understanding of FXS among pediatricians managing developmental delay/ intellectual disability in Japan, particularly between pediatrician with and without clinical genetics certification (or clinical experience with FXS).

METHODS: A survey involving 1217 certified pediatric neurologists from the Japanese Society of Pediatric Neurology and 367 members of the Japanese Society of Pediatric Genetics was conducted. Additional participants were recruited from an online mailing list of 1469 pediatric neurologists. The survey comprised questions on demographics, knowledge about FXS, and genetic testing practices. The responses were analyzed using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Out of 386 respondents, 326 had experience ordering some kind of genetic testing, including 78 certified clinical geneticists. Knowledge gaps were significant between clinical geneticists and non-genetic specialists. While 20 % of non-genetic specialists were unaware of insurance-covered FXS genetic testing, this percentage was lower among those with clinical experience in FXS cases. Many respondents, irrespective of certification, struggled to determine the indications for requesting FXS genetic testing. Furthermore, non-genetic specialists reported more difficulty providing genetic counseling owing to the psychological burden on mothers.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights the necessity for expanding education and training on FXS among pediatricians in Japan. Addressing these knowledge gaps may enhance FXS diagnostic rates and improve the management of affected individuals and families. Future efforts should focus on strengthening the collaboration between clinical geneticists and general pediatricians and establishing reliable genetic counseling support systems.

PMID:40349415 | DOI:10.1016/j.braindev.2025.104367

Eur J Radiol. 2025 May 3;188:112160. doi: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2025.112160. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Optimize deep learning-based vertebrae segmentation in longitudinal CT scans of multiple myeloma patients using structural uncertainty analysis.

MATERIALS & METHODS: Retrospective CT scans from 474 multiple myeloma patients were divided into train (179 patients, 349 scans, 2005-2011) and test cohort (295 patients, 671 scans, 2012-2020). An enhanced segmentation pipeline was developed on the train cohort. It integrated vertebrae segmentation using an open-source deep learning method (Payer’s) with a post-hoc structural uncertainty analysis. This analysis identified inconsistencies, automatically correcting them or flagging uncertain regions for human review. Segmentation quality was assessed through vertebral shape analysis using topology. Metrics included ‘identification rate’, ‘longitudinal vertebral match rate’, ‘success rate’ and ‘series success rate’ and evaluated across age/sex subgroups. Statistical analysis included McNemar and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, with p < 0.05 indicating significant improvement.

RESULTS: Payer’s method achieved an identification rate of 95.8% and success rate of 86.7%. The proposed pipeline automatically improved these metrics to 98.8% and 96.0%, respectively (p < 0.001). Additionally, 3.6% of scans were marked for human inspection, increasing the success rate from 96.0% to 98.8% (p < 0.001). The vertebral match rate increased from 97.0% to 99.7% (p < 0.001), and the series success rate from 80.0% to 95.4% (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed more consistent performance across age and sex groups.

CONCLUSION: The proposed pipeline significantly outperforms Payer’s method, enhancing segmentation accuracy and reducing longitudinal matching errors while minimizing evaluation workload. Its uncertainty analysis ensures robust performance, making it a valuable tool for longitudinal studies in multiple myeloma.

PMID:40349413 | DOI:10.1016/j.ejrad.2025.112160

Forensic Sci Int. 2025 May 7;371:112495. doi: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112495. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

DNA preservation is influenced by various external and internal factors that are complexly intertwined. Environmental factors are among the variables that have the most significant impact on preserving genetic material. To better understand their effects, 247 petrous bones from two geographically distinct cemeteries were compared. Molecular genetic methods were used in the study, including a complete demineralization extraction method to obtain the DNA from bone samples and real-time PCR to determine DNA quantity and quality. Statistical analysis was performed to investigate the differences in DNA yield and DNA degradation between petrous bones from the two different Slovenian archeological sites, Ljubljana – Njegoševa and Črnomelj. Results showed significantly higher DNA yield and lower degradation index in petrous bones from the Ljubljana – Njegoševa cemetery. The differences emphasize the impact of environmental factors, especially that of temperature, pH and permeability of the soil, on DNA degradation. This study provides valuable insights into understanding the complexity of DNA preservation in skeletal remains from different types of environments.

PMID:40349398 | DOI:10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112495

Med Ultrason. 2025 Apr 11. doi: 10.11152/mu-4504. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: This study aims to explore the potential of machine learning as a non-invasive automated tool for skin tumor differentiation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were included from 156 lesions, collected retrospectively from September 2021 to February 2024. Univariate and multivariate analyses of traditional clinical features were performed to establish a logistic regression model. Ultrasound-based radiomics features are extracted from grayscale images after delineating regions of interest (ROIs). Independent samples t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression were employed to select ultrasound-based radiomics features. Subsequently, five machine learning methods were used to construct radiomics models based on the selected features. Model performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the Delong test.

RESULTS: Age, poorly defined margins, and irregular shape were identified as independent risk factors for malignant skin tumors. The multilayer perception (MLP) model achieved the best performance, with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.963 and 0.912, respectively. The results of DeLong’s test revealed a statistically significant discrepancy in efficacy between the MLP and clinical models (Z=2.611, p=0.009).

CONCLUSION: Machine learning based skin tumor models may serve as a potential non-invasive method to improve diagnostic efficiency.

PMID:40349378 | DOI:10.11152/mu-4504

Med Ultrason. 2025 Apr 29. doi: 10.11152/mu-4505. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of two large language models, ChatGPT-4 and Claude 3, in improving the accuracy of question responses by senior sonologist and junior sonologist.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A senior and a junior sonologist were given a practice exam. After answering the questions, they reviewed the responses and explanations provided by ChatGPT-4 and Claude 3. The accuracy and scores before and after incorporating the models’ input were analyzed to compare their effectiveness.

RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the two models’ responses scores for each section (all p>0.05). For junior sonologist, both ChatGPT-4 (p=0.039) and Claude 3 (p=0.039) significantly improved scores in basic knowledge. The responses provided by ChatGPT-4 also significantly improved scores in relevant professional knowledge (p=0.038), though their explanations did not (p=0.077). For all exam sections, both models’ responses and explanations significantly improved scores (all p<0.05). For senior sonologist, both ChatGPT-4’s responses (p=0.022) and explanations (p=0.034) improved scores in basic knowledge, as did Claude 3’s explanations (p=0.003). Across all sections, Claude 3’s explanations significantly improved scores (p=0.041).

CONCLUSION: ChatGPT-4 and Claude 3 significantly improved sonologist’ examination performance, particularly in basic knowledge.

PMID:40349377 | DOI:10.11152/mu-4505