Tag: nevin manimala

Int J Adolesc Med Health. 2026 Jan 5. doi: 10.1515/ijamh-2025-0174. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the early effects of cigarette smoke exposure on endothelial function in healthy adolescents by analyzing blood endocan levels and urinary cotinine concentrations. A novel endocan/cotinine ratio was proposed to enhance the assessment of endothelial response to tobacco exposure.

METHODS: In this cross-sectional case-control study, 88 adolescents aged 13-18 years were recruited from Istanbul University between January and August 2021. Participants were divided into two groups: exposed (n=44) and non-exposed (n=44) to cigarette smoke. Blood endocan and urine cotinine levels were measured using ELISA. Statistical analysis included the Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman’s correlation.

RESULTS: Among the exposed participants, 11.4 % (n=5) were active smokers and 88.6 % (n=39) were passive smokers. Systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in the exposed group (p=0.03). Although endocan levels did not differ significantly between groups (p=0.74), median values were higher in the exposed group (1847.5 pg/mL, range: 14.79-3,121.63) compared to controls (1806.2 pg/mL, range: 116.83-4,618.90). Urinary cotinine levels were markedly elevated in the exposed group (p<0.001).Significant positive correlations were found between exposure duration (pack-years) and both endocan levels (r=0.318, p=0.01) and cotinine levels (r=0.524, p<0.001). A significant negative correlation was identified between cotinine and endocan levels specifically in the exposed group (r=-0.435, p=0.003), with regression analysis showing that each 1 ng/mL increase in urinary cotinine was associated with a 3.23 pg/mL reduction in serum endocan (R²=0.189, p=0.003), suggesting that cotinine levels accounted for 18.9 % of the variability in endocan concentrations. No such correlation was observed in the control group (r=-0.015, p=0.925).The endocan/cotinine ratio showed a decreasing trend in the exposed group (median: 25.69, mean: 28.76 ± 21.45) compared to non-exposed participants (median: 34.24, mean: 47.31 ± 53.89), though this difference did not reach statistical significance (U=1,149.0, p=0.132). A negative correlation was found between BMI and endocan levels (r=-0.337, p=0.001), while a weak positive correlation was observed between age and cotinine concentration (r=0.222, p=0.038).

CONCLUSIONS: Cigarette smoke exposure in adolescents leads to elevated cotinine levels and increased blood pressure (p=0.03), indicating early vascular changes. The observed negative correlation between cotinine and endocan levels (r=-0.435, p=0.003) may reflect a compensatory endothelial response. The endocan/cotinine ratio could serve as a novel, early biomarker for endothelial dysfunction in youth exposed to cigarette smoke.

PMID:41482722 | DOI:10.1515/ijamh-2025-0174

J Oral Pathol Med. 2026 Jan 2. doi: 10.1111/jop.70112. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is a developmental odontogenic cyst characterized by a fragile epithelial lining attachment to the capsula and high recurrence rates. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and adhesion-related proteins (TLN1, FBLN1) may contribute to epithelial detachment, which could facilitate lesion recurrence. This study investigated the mRNA expression of MMP2, MMP9, TLN1, and FBLN1 in OKCs and their association with epithelial detachment, including the impact of marsupialization.

METHODS: Gene expression was analyzed by RT-qPCR in samples from OKCs (n = 10), marsupialized OKCs (n = 5), and oral mucosa controls (n = 4). Gelatinase activity was assessed by gelatin zymography in fresh samples (OKCs n = 7; oral mucosa n = 4). Histological sections were digitally measured to quantify areas of epithelial detachment. Correlation analyses were performed between mRNA expression levels and epithelial separation.

RESULTS: MMP2 and MMP9 mRNA levels were significantly higher in OKCs compared to oral mucosa (p < 0.05), with decreased mRNA levels after marsupialization. Gelatin zymography confirmed elevated gelatinase activity, particularly for MMP9, in OKC tissues. TLN1 and FBLN1 mRNA expressions were also elevated in OKCs, consistent with previous proteomic data, though not statistically significant. A significant correlation was observed between MMP9 mRNA expression and the total area of detached epithelium.

CONCLUSION: MMP9 may play a critical role in epithelial detachment in OKCs and could serve as a therapeutic target or prognostic marker. Marsupialization appears to modulate matrix metalloproteinases expression, suggesting a molecular mechanism for its clinical benefits.

PMID:41482718 | DOI:10.1111/jop.70112

J Clin Ultrasound. 2026 Jan 2. doi: 10.1002/jcu.70167. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the variations in junctional zone (JZ) ultrasonographic parameters using three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound (3D-TVS) across different age groups and evaluate their diagnostic potential for adenomyosis.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 120 patients who underwent 3D-TVS examinations. Participants were categorized into adenomyosis and healthy control groups, with the control group further stratified into three age-based subgroups (20+, 30+, and 40+ years). Quantitative JZ parameters were meticulously measured, including maximum thickness (JZmax), minimum thickness (JZmin), thickness difference (JZdif, calculated as JZmax – JZmin), myometrial thickness adjacent to JZmax, and the ratio of JZmax to adjacent myometrial thickness. Statistical comparisons were performed among groups, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to determine the area under the curve (AUC) müllerian values for adenomyosis diagnosis.

RESULTS: Age-stratified analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in JZ parameters among control subgroups (p > 0.05), indicating minimal age-related variations in JZ characteristics. Compared to healthy controls, adenomyosis patients demonstrated significantly elevated values in JZmax, JZmin, JZdif, and the myometrial thickness adjacent to JZmax (p < 0.05). ROC analysis yielded AUC values of 0.85 for JZmax, 0.84 for myometrial thickness adjacent to JZmax, 0.79 for JZdif, and 0.76 for JZmin. Optimal diagnostic performance was achieved at JZmax ≥ 0.45 cm, demonstrating 77% sensitivity and 89% specificity.

CONCLUSION: 3D-TVS with 3D reconstruction technology enables clear visualization of uterine coronal section and accurate quantification of JZ parameters. These findings support the clinical utility of 3D-TVS in the diagnostic evaluation of adenomyosis.

PMID:41482716 | DOI:10.1002/jcu.70167

Rev Med Virol. 2026 Jan;36(1):e70102. doi: 10.1002/rmv.70102.

ABSTRACT

Persistent high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection causes anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers across all genders. The primary cancer associated with HPV is cervical cancer and the HPV vaccination before sexual exposure is recommended for cervical cancer elimination globally. This scoping review aims to map the preliminary evidence regarding the determinants of adolescent HPV vaccine acceptance and hesitancy during the COVID-19 pandemic in high income countries. A scoping review was conducted as per the updated Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. Using the PCC (Population, Concept, and Context) framework, search keywords and search strategies were developed. Electronic databases were searched using specific search terms and the last search date noted as February 8, 2025. A thematic content analysis was carried out to identify the themes and subthemes by a deductive approach. Fourteen studies were included as the potential sources of evidence in this review. The study population included 493,819 adolescents from Australia, Hong Kong, Italy, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and the USA. The themes identified were inequity, attitude and behaviour, knowledge and communication, and engagement and influence. The COVID-19 pandemic generated a negative parental attitude towards HPV vaccines for a brief period. The adolescent HPV vaccine acceptance mainly depended on strong parental support and appropriate access to healthcare professionals and vaccination services. Travel restrictions, lockdowns, school closures, and social distancing contributed to significant HPV vaccine hesitancy in high income countries.

PMID:41482705 | DOI:10.1002/rmv.70102

Med Sci Monit. 2026 Jan 3;32:e950481. doi: 10.12659/MSM.950481.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND With the global rise in geriatric populations, femoral fractures in elderly individuals have become a major health burden. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of 3 readily available laboratory-based indices – HALP (hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, platelet), Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), and Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) – in predicting 1-year mortality among elderly patients with femoral fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective cohort study included 309 patients aged ≥65 years who presented to the emergency department of a tertiary university hospital between 2018 and 2023 with low-energy femoral fractures and who underwent surgery. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. HALP, PNI, and SII were calculated preoperatively. In-hospital, 30-day, and 1-year mortality were recorded. ROC analysis was used to assess the predictive accuracy of each index. RESULTS One-year mortality was 32.4%, while in-hospital and 30-day mortality were 5.5% and 11%, respectively. Lower albumin and PNI scores were significantly associated with higher mortality at all time points (P<0.001). PNI demonstrated moderate predictive accuracy (AUC=0.659), while HALP had limited but statistically significant predictive value (AUC=0.577, P=0.030). SII did not show statistically significant prognostic value (AUC=0.549, P=0.166). Multivariate analysis showed PNI and HALP are independent predictors of long-term mortality. CONCLUSIONS PNI and HALP are practical, cost-effective tools with prognostic utility in elderly patients with femoral fractures. Early identification of high-risk individuals using these biomarkers may facilitate targeted interventions and improved outcomes. Future multicenter prospective studies are warranted for external validation.

PMID:41482700 | DOI:10.12659/MSM.950481

Aging Cell. 2026 Jan;25(1):e70362. doi: 10.1111/acel.70362.

ABSTRACT

Age-varying DNA methylation sites reflect increasing interindividual epigenetic divergence during aging, offering insights into health heterogeneity and potential for personalized interventions. Leveraging longitudinal DNA methylation data (3 waves over 5 years) from 135 relatively healthy Chinese older adults in the Rugao Longitudinal Ageing Study, we systematically characterized dynamic DNA methylation changes with age via mixed-effects modeling, identifying 125,353 age-associated (i.e., sites showing significant shifts in average methylation levels with age) and 3145 age-varying CpG sites (i.e., sites showing significant interindividual variability in methylation trajectories with age). Functional analysis revealed distinct enrichment profiles: age-associated CpG sites were enriched in nervous system development, cell signaling, and disease-related pathways, whereas age-varying CpG sites were enriched in cell adhesion, synaptic organization, and organ morphogenesis pathways. Notably, both categories showed significant enrichment in nervous system-related pathways, such as regulation of nervous system development and neuronal cell body. Established epigenetic clocks (e.g., HannumAge) were significantly enriched for age-associated CpG sites but not for age-varying sites. Furthermore, we quantified the pace of aging across eight major organ systems and identified 925 significant associations between organ-specific pace of aging and longitudinal methylation change rates at age-varying CpG sites. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed organ system-relevant biological functions-CpG sites associated with a given organ system were often enriched in pathways relevant to that system’s function-with additional evidence of cross-system enrichment. Together, our findings elucidate the role of methylation variability in multi-organ systems aging and its potential for revealing mechanisms of aging heterogeneity and guiding precision monitoring and interventions.

PMID:41482678 | DOI:10.1111/acel.70362

Nurs Health Sci. 2026 Mar;28(1):e70283. doi: 10.1111/nhs.70283.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Health Protection Behavior Scale (HPBS). The study was conducted using a two-stage cross-cultural research design in accordance with STROBE guidelines. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis (EFA), without performing confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to avoid the use of the same dataset for model derivation and validation. The overall Cronbach’s alpha for the scale was 0.851, indicating high internal consistency. In terms of construct validity, the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale II and the WHOQOL-BREF showed strong and moderate positive correlations, respectively (p < 0.05). The psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the HPBS are generally good and acceptable.

PMID:41482673 | DOI:10.1111/nhs.70283

Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2026 Jan 2;30(1):11-15. doi: 10.5588/ijtld.25.0260.

ABSTRACT

<sec><title>SETTING</title>TB remains a global challenge, requiring diagnostic innovations, especially for TB infection (TBI) cases.</sec><sec><title>OBJECTIVE</title>This study aimed to analyse patent registers related to TB diagnosis in a Brazilian database, promoting reflections on knowledge translation into clinical practice.</sec><sec><title>DESIGN</title>This research on digital documents was carried out in March 2025 in the National Institute of Industrial Property database. Data were assessed descriptively and analysed by using absolute and relative frequencies.</sec><sec><title>RESULTS</title>Of the 62 patents found, 71% were published by 2015, with an average time of 1,274 days between filing and publication. Half of the filers were companies or large corporations. Most patents refer to pharmaceutical compositions also intended for treatment and vaccines. Only six complete kits aimed at detecting TB disease and TBI, based on adenosine deaminase, sputum culture, MPB64 protein, fusion proteins, or synthetic peptide antigens. Some include assays for strains resistant to isoniazid and rifampicin.</sec><sec><title>CONCLUSION</title>The scarcity of registered innovative products reveals gaps in the early diagnosis of TB, especially in TBI. Investments in biotechnology and artificial intelligence may represent promising strategies to strengthen the fight against TB.</sec>.

PMID:41482618 | DOI:10.5588/ijtld.25.0260

Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2026 Jan 2;30(1):21-26. doi: 10.5588/ijtld.25.0338.

ABSTRACT

<sec><title>OBJECTIVES</title>Primary objective of the study was to identify TB-associated factors in admitted malnourished children at malnutrition treatment centres, Rajasthan, India.</sec><sec><title>DESIGN</title>A nested case-control study was conducted. Clinical and demographic data were analysed. Crude and adjusted odds ratios were calculated.</sec><sec><title>RESULTS</title>The study included 39 confirmed TB cases and 512 controls. A total of 20 clinical factors were analysed. Bivariate analysis identified three statistically significantly associated factors. These were 1) cough duration of ≥2 weeks (odds ratio [OR] = 5.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.5-11.6), 2) fever duration of ≥2 weeks (OR = 3.3; 95% CI: 1.4-7.7), and 3) Mantoux test ≥ 5 mm (OR = 4.4; 95% CI: 1.4-14.2). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that 1) cough duration of ≥2 weeks (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.2; 95% CI: 1.5-11.7) and 2) hepatomegaly (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.01-5.5) were independently and significantly associated with TB.</sec><sec><title>CONCLUSION</title>Study findings align with paediatric TB diagnostic criteria, which emphasise persistent cough ≥2 weeks as an important criterion of presumptive TB. However, hepatomegaly came out as a new, independently significant associated factor. A study with large number of cases may be undertaken to validate the association of hepatomegaly.</sec>.

PMID:41482617 | DOI:10.5588/ijtld.25.0338

Int Endod J. 2026 Jan 2. doi: 10.1111/iej.70087. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Diagnosing cemental tears remains challenging, and treatment outcomes can be unpredictable; recommendations for their diagnosis and management are primarily based on case reports and anecdotal experience. Although a classification has been developed for cemental tears, its clinical applicability and importance have yet to be investigated and validated.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aims to deepen our understanding of cemental tears through a comprehensive examination of a patient cohort, focusing on: (i) evaluating the cases based on the classification for cemental tears; (ii) assessing clinical presentations, radiographic features, and histopathological characteristics; and (iii) identifying factors that influence diagnosis, treatment approaches, and clinical outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study evaluated teeth diagnosed with cemental tears at the university’s endodontic clinic from September 2019 to June 2024. The review included case histories, clinical, radiographic and histopathological findings, as well as the treatments performed and their outcomes. Descriptive statistics were used.

RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients with 45 teeth diagnosed with cemental tears were included. Majority of affected teeth (68.9%) had received previous treatment or undergone previously initiated therapy. Among those root treated, most (84.6%) exhibited adequate obturation. Pain, swelling and/or sinus tracts, as well as significant crestal bone loss, were detected in approximately half of the cases. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and direct inspection successfully identified all affected teeth, whereas periapical radiographs (PR) only detected 60.0%. Histopathological analysis revealed cementum in all 37 cases comprising 45 teeth, bone in 11 cases, and cystic lesions in 5 cases. Unfavourable treatment outcomes were observed in 78.9% of teeth classified as Class 4-6. Across all classes, regenerative approaches using enamel matrix derivatives (EMD) achieved favourable outcomes in 44.4% of teeth treated, xenografts in 38.1%, and collagen membranes in 55.6%. Notably, none of the teeth in Classes 4-6 treated with EMD or xenografts demonstrated favourable outcomes.

CONCLUSION: CBCT scans, direct inspection, and histopathological examination demonstrated a higher detection rate compared to PR. Classification is a critical prognostic factor, with Classes 4-6 exhibiting poorer outcomes than others. The impacts of regenerative approaches on periradicular healing appear questionable.

PMID:41482607 | DOI:10.1111/iej.70087