Tag: nevin manimala

BMC Microbiol. 2025 Apr 27;25(1):250. doi: 10.1186/s12866-025-03953-1.

ABSTRACT

Synbiotic interventions have gained increasing attention for modulating gut microbiota and metabolic functions in obesity-related disorders. This study evaluated the effects of Limosilactobacillus reuteri KUB-AC5 (10⁸ CFU) and Wolffia globosa powder (6 g/day) using an in vitro continuous human gastrointestinal model. Fecal samples from obese donors were used to simulate the ascending and descending colon, with microbial viability, diversity, and metabolite production assessed over 14 days via culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. Synbiotic supplementation increased anaerobic bacterial counts by 2.6 log CFU/mL in the ascending colon and 2.2 log CFU/mL in the descending colon, with notable increases in lactic acid bacteria and reductions in Enterobacteriaceae. Metagenomic analysis revealed an increasing trend in microbial diversity and evenness after 7 days of treatment, though the changes were not statistically significant. PERMANOVA analysis confirmed significant shift in microbial community composition between stabilization, treatment, and washout periods (p < 0.05). Additionally, butyrate levels significantly increased (p < 0.05), while p-cresol, a deleterious metabolite, significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Bile acid composition was modulated, with increased tertiary bile acid 3-oxo-LCA and enhanced bile acid deconjugation, suggesting improved lipid metabolism and potential weight management benefits. These findings highlight the potential of synbiotic supplementation to enhance beneficial bacterial populations, improve microbial diversity, and support metabolic health in obesity management.

PMID:40289100 | DOI:10.1186/s12866-025-03953-1

BMC Gastroenterol. 2025 Apr 27;25(1):302. doi: 10.1186/s12876-025-03860-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, including gastric, colorectal, and esophageal cancers, pose a significant global health burden. Despite advancements in diagnostic tools, early detection remains challenging, particularly in low-resource settings. Emerging evidence highlights the platelet-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio (PHR) as a novel biomarker integrating systemic inflammation and lipid metabolism. However, its association with GI cancer risk remains underexplored.

METHODS: This study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2010 to 2018, comprising 19,388 participants, including 230 with GI cancers. PHR was calculated as the ratio of platelet count to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and categorized into quartiles. Weighted logistic regression models, restricted cubic spline analysis, and subgroup analyses were employed to evaluate the association between PHR and GI cancer risk, adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and clinical factors.

RESULTS: Elevated PHR was independently associated with an increased risk of GI cancers. Participants in the highest PHR quartile exhibited a significantly higher risk (adjusted OR = 3.09; 95% CI: 2.16-4.43) compared to the lowest quartile. A dose-response relationship was observed, with two critical inflection points at PHR values of 3.2 and 4.5. Subgroup analyses revealed stronger associations among older adults, males, and obese individuals. The findings suggest that PHR may reflect the dynamic balance of systemic inflammation and lipid metabolism, contributing to tumorigenesis.

CONCLUSION: This study identifies PHR as a promising, cost-effective biomarker for early detection and risk stratification of GI cancers. Its integration into screening programs could improve precision medicine strategies by identifying high-risk individuals for early intervention. Further longitudinal and mechanistic studies are warranted to confirm these findings and explore the underlying biological mechanisms.

PMID:40289098 | DOI:10.1186/s12876-025-03860-9

Arch Public Health. 2025 Apr 28;83(1):116. doi: 10.1186/s13690-025-01607-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In 2022, the American Heart Association launched an updated algorithm for quantifying cardiovascular health (CVH), termed Life’s Essential 8 (LE8). This new approach has been shown to be associated with various noncommunicable chronic diseases and mortality. However, LE8 did not take into consideration the importance of psychological health on CVH. Recently, a perspective article proposed Life’s Crucial 9 (LC9), which would add psychological health as another component to LE8, as a novel metric to assess CVH. This study aims to investigate the association of LC9 with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality.

METHODS: This study included 23,080 adults from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2018, and mortality was ascertained by linkage to National Death Index records through 31 December 2019. The LC9 scoring algorithm was categorized into low (0-49), moderate (50-79), and high (80-100) CVH. Weighted Cox proportional hazards regression models and restricted cubic spline analysis were applied to evaluate the association of LC9 with mortality.

RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 7.8 years, a total of 2,388 overall deaths were identified, covering 613 CVD deaths. Compared with adults with a low CVH score, those with a high CVH score had 52% (hazard ratio, 0.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.38-0.60) and 64% (0.36; 0.23-0.56) reduced risk of all-cause and CVD mortality. Similarly, a moderate CVH score was associated with 33% (0.67; 0.58-0.78) and 49% (0.51; 0.40-0.64) reduced risk of all-cause and CVD mortality. The population-attributable fractions of high vs. moderate or low CVH score were 46.0% for all-cause mortality and 75.8% for CVD mortality. Elevated blood lipids, high body mass index, and poor sleep quality were the three major contributors to all-cause mortality, whereas nicotine exposure, unhealthy psychology, and elevated blood lipids were the three significant ones to CVD mortality. There were approximately negative linear dose-response relationships of total LC9 score with all-cause and CVD mortality.

CONCLUSIONS: Adhering to a high LC9 score is related to a reduced risk of all-cause and CVD mortality. This new CVH definition shows promise as a primordial preventive strategy to reduce mortality rates.

PMID:40289091 | DOI:10.1186/s13690-025-01607-2

Cytopathology. 2025 Apr 26. doi: 10.1111/cyt.13499. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) of the breast is a widely used diagnostic tool for detecting breast lesions, offering high sensitivity and positive predictive value. The International Academy of Cytology (IAC) established the Yokohama System in 2016 to standardise reporting of breast FNAB.

OBJECTIVE: To categorise FNAB samples according to the IAC Yokohama System, assess the ROM for each category and evaluate the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values for malignancy diagnosis.

METHODS: This prospective observational study involved predominantly younger adults with the majority presenting with a palpable breast mass. FNAB samples were collected, stained and examined microscopically. Categories were assigned according to the Yokohama System, and the results were compared with histopathological examination (HPE). Diagnostic metrics and ROM were calculated using statistical analysis.

RESULTS: The study included 428 patients, with malignant cases comprising 49.5% of the samples, benign cases 43.5%, atypical cases 4.2%, suspicious for malignancy cases 1.9% and insufficient material 0.9%. The risk of malignancy (ROM) was 100% for malignant, 87.5% for suspicious for malignancy, 22.2% for atypical, 2.15% for benign and 25% for the insufficient category. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy varied across groups, with group A, group B and group C showing accuracy at 92.99%, 97.66% and 95.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSION: The IAC Yokohama System effectively categorises breast FNAB samples, provides accurate diagnostic metrics for malignancy and aids clinical decision-making, particularly in resource-limited settings.

PMID:40287794 | DOI:10.1111/cyt.13499

Reprod Health. 2025 Apr 26;22(1):60. doi: 10.1186/s12978-025-02011-3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Approximately 164 million women report an unmet need for family planning globally. This has far-reaching consequences for the health of women and their children. Women’s exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) is strongly linked to increased unmet need as IPV likely affects both women’s desire for contraception and their ability to access it. Around 245 million women were subject to physical and/or sexual IPV by an intimate partner in the past twelve months alone, making it the most common form of violence against women. Yet, laws that prohibit domestic violence (DV) are not universal and countries actively debate whether legal provisions are effective in deterring and reducing its harmful impacts. This study examines the impact of DV laws on women’s unmet need for family planning.

METHODS: We built new data on DV laws adoption in Africa and used the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data collected between 2000 and 2021 across 23 African countries for outcomes data. Exploiting the staggered adoption of DV laws across the continent, we used a difference-in-differences study design to estimate the impact of DV laws in the treated countries compared to countries without such laws.

RESULTS: We find that DV laws reduced women’s unmet need for family planning by 6.2% points, 95% CI [- 9.2, – 3.2], a 20.5% reduction from the mean. Positive impacts were observed in 6 countries across multiple model specifications. While the impacts were largely broad-based across wealth, age, geography, and education categories, we found no significant impacts for women younger than 20 years of age and those without formal education. These findings were robust to alternative model specifications.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that countries can significantly benefit from prohibiting DV as a fundamental step towards addressing women’s unmet need for family planning and promoting their reproductive health. While fully addressing IPV and women’s unmet need may require a range of complementary interventions, especially among marginalized populations, DV laws play a crucial role in improving women’s control over their reproductive health.

PMID:40287771 | DOI:10.1186/s12978-025-02011-3

World J Surg Oncol. 2025 Apr 26;23(1):163. doi: 10.1186/s12957-025-03822-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: While growing evidence highlights the role of gut microbiota and inflammatory proteins in cancer, with cancer-related inflammation now considered the seventh hallmark of cancer, the direct causal relationships between specific microbiota, cancer, and the potential mediating effects of inflammatory proteins have not been fully established.

METHODS: We employed Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess the causal relationships between gut microbiota, inflammatory proteins, and eighteen distinct cancers using data from extensive genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The primary statistical method utilized was inverse variance weighting (IVW). We also investigated whether inflammatory proteins could mediate the effects of gut microbiota on cancer development.

RESULTS: Our findings revealed 42 positive and 49 inverse causal impacts of gut microbiota on cancer risk (P < 0.05). Additionally, we identified 32 positive and 28 inverse causal relationships between inflammatory proteins and cancer risk. Moreover, genus Collinsella decreased the risk of lung cancer by decreasing levels of T-cell surface glycoprotein CD5 (mediating effect = 16.667%), while genus Ruminococcaceae UCG005 increased the risk of mesothelioma by increasing levels of CCL4 (mediating effect = 5.134%).

CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides evidence for a causal association between gut microbiota, inflammatory proteins, and eighteen different cancer types. Notably, the T-cell surface glycoprotein CD5 and CCL4 were identified as mediators linking the genus Collinsella with lung cancer and the genus Ruminococcaceae UCG005 with mesothelioma, respectively.

PMID:40287752 | DOI:10.1186/s12957-025-03822-1

Infect Dis Poverty. 2025 Apr 27;14(1):31. doi: 10.1186/s40249-025-01305-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Oral emtricitabine-tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (F/TDF) for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) demonstrates dual potential through antiviral activity against hepatitis B virus (HBV). While F/TDF lacks activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV), the use of F/TDF for HIV PrEP may elevate HCV risk through risk compensation. This study aims to investigate HBV/HCV incidence among men who have sex with men (MSM) using F/TDF-based HIV PrEP, addressing evidence gaps in low- and middle-income countries.

METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of the China Real-World Oral Intake of PrEP (CROPrEP) study, a multicenter prospective cohort of MSM (F/TDF users/non-users) from Beijing, Shenyang, Shenzhen, and Chongqing. Participants underwent HBV/HCV testing at baseline and at the 12-month follow-up. Only HBV-susceptible (hepatitis B surface antigen-negative, hepatitis B surface and core antibody-negative) MSM were included in the secondary analysis, to calculate HBV incidence. The primary outcomes were HBV/HCV incidence rates at the 12-month follow-up. Bayesian Poisson regression identified HBV/HCV infection risk factors.

RESULTS: The CROPrEP cohort prospectively recruited 1023 F/TDF users and 507 F/TDF non-users at baseline. This secondary analysis included 259 F/TDF users and 120 non-users identified as HBV-susceptible at baseline. At the 12-month of follow-up, no incident HBV infections occurred in the F/TDF users group, and only one incident HBV infection occurred in the F/TDF non-users group. The incidence of new HBV infections was 0.00/100 person-years (PY) [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.00-1.32] among HBV-susceptible F/TDF users and 0.77/100 PY (95% CI: 0.02-4.20) among HBV-susceptible F/TDF non-users. HBV incidence was reduced with F/TDF compared with no F/TDF [adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR): 0.00; 95% CI: 0.00-0.00]. HCV incidence among F/TDF users and non-users was 0.31/100 PY (95% CI: 0.06-0.90) and 0.00/100 PY (95% CI: 0.00-0.74) after 12 months, respectively. HCV incidence was lower in F/TDF non-users than in F/TDF users (aIRR: 0.00; 95% CI: 0.00-0.25).

CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests a potential benefit in reducing HBV incidence among MSM using F/TDF as HIV PrEP, highlighting the potential for integrated prevention strategies addressing both HIV and HBV risks in PrEP programmes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR, ChiCTR-IIN-17013762. Registered 8 December 2017, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=22916 .

PMID:40287745 | DOI:10.1186/s40249-025-01305-9

Reprod Health. 2025 Apr 26;22(1):59. doi: 10.1186/s12978-025-02012-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Asylum-seeking women have an increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases, sexual and gender-based violence, unwanted pregnancies, maternal illness and death. This study examined sexual and reproductive health issues among asylum-seeking women in Finland in 2018. The acceptability of asking questions on sexual health was also evaluated.

METHODS: Data from the Asylum Seekers Health and Wellbeing Survey were used. Women aged 18-50 (n = 278) were included in the analysis and grouped to four categories based on their country of birth. Register information on sex, age group, country of birth, and place of residency was obtained from the Finnish Immigration Service and used in the calculations of analysis weights. Weighted percentages with 95% confidence intervals (Cl) were calculated for sexual activity, the use of contraceptives, female genital mutilation/cutting, pregnancies, previous births, miscarriages, induced abortions and menstrual health. The differences between the groups were compared using the chi-square test. The acceptability was examined based on nonresponse in each question about sexual health.

RESULTS: Among women from the other African countries (excl. North Africa), 21% (95% Cl 10.4-38.9%) had had six or more sexual partners within the past 12 months. Majority of women (62%, 95% CI 39.9-79.7%) from the ‘other countries’ and 51% (95% Cl 34.1-68.2%) from the other African countries had not used contraceptives during their latest intercourse. Female genital mutilation/cutting was reported by 30% (95% Cl 18.7-45.2%) of women from the other African countries. A total of 10% (95% Cl 6.6-13.9%) of all women and 25% (95% Cl 14.3-39.2%) of those from other African countries were pregnant at the time of study. Moreover, 35% (95% CI 25.5-46.0%) of the women from Russia and former Soviet Union had had at least one induced abortion. Nonresponse varied between 7 and 17%, being the highest in the questions about the gender of the sexual partner(s) and contraceptive use among women from Middle East and Africa.

CONCLUSION: It is both acceptable and important to cover sexual and reproductive health when assessing the health of asylum-seeking women. The sensitivity of this topic must be considered when planning data collection.

PMID:40287738 | DOI:10.1186/s12978-025-02012-2

BMC Public Health. 2025 Apr 26;25(1):1563. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-22836-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Menstruation is a natural and inevitable process in females. However, adolescent girls continue to face challenges with several misconceptions and myths. Despite numerous efforts and campaigns, limited knowledge and unhygienic practices persist, leading to various adverse social and health outcomes. This study examined knowledge, practices and factors influencing menstrual hygiene management practices among female senior high school students in the New Juaben Municipality of Ghana.

METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 2 senior high schools. Students were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from literature between August to September 2022. Data was entered into Microsoft Excel Software (2020) and then exported to STATA/MP version 17 (STATA Corp) for analysis. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression were conducted with p-values ≤ 0.05 considered significant.

RESULTS: A total of 557 students were included in the study. 61.22% of students demonstrated good knowledge of menstruation, and 57.09% practiced good menstrual hygiene. Disposable sanitary pads were the most commonly used (97.44%) and preferred (93.25%) menstrual products. Most students changed their sanitary pads two or three times per day (47.49% and 47.30%, respectively). Nearly all participants (99%) bathed during menstruation, with water only (61.13%) being the most common method for genital cleaning. Logistic regression analysis revealed that students who lived with their mothers only (AOR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.16-3.02, p = 0.01), had access to dedicated disposal bins (AOR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.42-3.39, p < 0.001), and reported adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene needs (AOR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.39-0.91, p = 0.017) were more likely to practice good menstrual hygiene.

CONCLUSION: Generally, female students had good MHM knowledge and practices with few misconceptions. The study underscores the importance of enhancing menstrual hygiene education, improving school infrastructure, and supporting family-based health education to promote safe and effective menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls. Targeted interventions involving schools, parents, and policymakers are needed to create a supportive environment that ensures menstrual health and educational continuity for all girls.

PMID:40287730 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-22836-8

J Orthop Surg Res. 2025 Apr 26;20(1):420. doi: 10.1186/s13018-025-05821-0.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a comparative analysis of the clinical efficacy and quality of life in elderly patients with lumbar degenerative disease (LDD) treated with TLIF (transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion) combined with either unilateral pedicle screw fixation (UPSF) or bilateral pedicle screw fixation (BPSF).

METHODS: A total of 112 patients with single- or double-segment lumbar degenerative disease were divided into two groups. In the unilateral fixation cohort, 32 single-segment patients and 22 double-segment patients underwent TLIF combined with UPSF, whereas in the bilateral fixation cohort, 34 single-segment patients and 24 double-segment patients underwent TLIF combined with BPSF. Data on operative time, intraoperative blood loss, time to postoperative ambulation, length of hospital stay, and perioperative complications were collected and analysed. Pain and functional status were preoperatively evaluated, in addition to being postoperatively evaluated at 1, 6, and 12 months, using the visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and Short Form-36 (SF-36) health survey questionnaire. Imaging follow-up was conducted for 1 year; at the final follow-up, the fusion rate was determined using the Bridwell fusion grading system, and clinical outcomes were assessed by using the modified MacNab criteria.

RESULTS: All of the follow-up patients successfully completed the surgeries. There were no significant differences observed in average postoperative ambulation time or hospital stay between the UPSF and BPSF groups for either single- or double-segment patients. However, the UPSF group exhibited less average blood loss and a shorter surgery time (P < 0.05). At 12 months after surgery, there were no statistically significant differences observed in the VAS, ODI, or JOA scores between the UPSF and BPSF groups, although both scores were significantly improved compared with the preoperative scores. There were fewer perioperative complications observed in the UPSF group than in the BPSF group for both single-segment (P = 0.040) and double-segment (P = 0.009) patients. In terms of quality of life, the UPSF group exhibited better long-term physical and mental health outcomes compared with the BPSF group (single-segment PCS: preoperative, P = 0.694; 1 month, P = 0.310; 6 months, P = 0.022; 12 months, P = 0.020; MCS: preoperative, P = 0.849; 1 month, P = 0.655; 6 months, P = 0.022; 12 months, P < 0.001; double-segment PCS: preoperative, p = 0.890; 1 month, P = 0.374; 6 months, P = 0.022; 12 months, P = 0.023; MCS: preoperative, P = 0.447; 1 month, P = 0.419; 6 months, P = 0.023; 12 months, P < 0.001). At the final follow-up, there were no significant differences observed in fusion rates between the groups according to the Bridwell fusion grading system (P > 0.05), with both groups achieving satisfactory fusion rates. The modified MacNab criteria revealed that excellent and good results in each group were > 90%, with no significant differences being observed between the groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: For the treatment of LDD in elderly patients, both TLIF combined with UPSF and TLIF combined with BPSF can achieve favourable outcomes. However, UPSF demonstrates advantages compared with BPSF, including a shorter surgery time, reduced intraoperative blood loss, and greater postoperative quality of life.

PMID:40287721 | DOI:10.1186/s13018-025-05821-0