Tag: nevin manimala

Med Phys. 2025 Sep;52(9):e18063. doi: 10.1002/mp.18063.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Diagnosing and characterizing breast lesions and tumors remains a common challenge in clinical practice. Ultrasound imaging stands out for its safety, real-time capability, and affordability. However, the image quality of conventional ultrasound examination is limited, and the diagnosis of ultrasonographic images depends heavily on the experience of the sonographer. Therefore, improving ultrasound images and extracting tissue information from ultrasound signals to provide auxiliary means is crucial for accurate breast tumor diagnosis.

PURPOSE: Medical ultrasound imaging has been widely used in clinical diagnosis. However, traditional ultrasound has limitations in the diagnosis of breast soft tissue diseases. This study proposed a high scattering sensitivity fuzzy entropy (FE) imaging method to enhance image contrast and improve detectability for breast tumors. Moreover, this imaging method can make a preliminary classification and characterization of benign and malignant breast lesions through quantitative analysis of ultrasound radio frequency data and the calculation of the entropy value without biopsy examination.

METHODS: To achieve the fuzzy entropy imaging, a sliding window is selected to traverse across the image with a step of one sampling point while the entropy value within the sliding window is calculated. This entropy value is assigned to the center pixel of the window. The parametric image was obtained after the entropy values of all pixels were calculated. During the clinical experiments, the breast lesions were classified as benign or malignant by biopsy examination. After entropy imaging, the average entropy value of the lesion area was calculated. The entropy values of all cases of benign and malignant tumors were averaged, respectively, to verify whether the fuzzy entropy can characterize the breast lesions. All the statistical analysis was conducted by one-sample t-test to obtain the mean value and standard deviation. The Tukey test was performed, and the effect size of Cohen’s d was calculated to verify whether there was a significant difference between the entropy value of benign lesions and malignant lesions.

RESULTS: In the clinical breast imaging experiment, the FE method obtained the highest Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) of 0.875 ± 0.047 (p < 0.0001) and F1 score of 0.876 ± 0.049 (p < 0.0001). The MCC and F1 scores of FE imaging were significantly different from those of other entropy imaging methods in the Tukey test (p < 0.0001). The effect sizes of Cohen’s d of F1 score of FE method compared with the WSE method and hNSE method were 1.498 and 1.107, respectively. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of FE images increased by 124.37% (p < 0.0001) compared with B-mode images (5.210 ± 3.136, p < 0.0001). The above results show that the FE method has good comprehensive performance in improving the detection accuracy and contrast of breast lesions. The fuzzy entropy value of benign tumors (0.033 ± 0.0.14, p < 0.0001) is higher than that of malignant tumors (0.022 ± 0.013, p < 0.0001) with both statistical and practical significance, indicating that the benign and malignant tumors can be characterized and classified by fuzzy entropy value.

CONCLUSIONS: The proposed ultrasound fuzzy entropy breast imaging method can effectively improve the ultrasound imaging performance and the ability to detect lesions, because fuzzy entropy can measure the microscopic chaos of breast tissue and enhance the scattering information characteristics in the signal. Meanwhile, fuzzy entropy imaging can classify benign and malignant lesions, because fuzzy entropy considers the causality within the ultrasound signal, avoiding information aliasing and loss, so that it can detect weaker information in the signal and can reflect organizational information more accurately.

PMID:40849881 | DOI:10.1002/mp.18063

Mycopathologia. 2025 Aug 24;190(5):77. doi: 10.1007/s11046-025-00982-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: With the increasing incidence of fungal infection in China, the need for rapid and accurate diagnosis of mycosis is crucial. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the diagnosis capacity for mycosis.

METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted across all 31 provincial-level regions in China from August 2023 to April 2024. The survey comprised 77 questions evaluating fungal diagnostic methods, including culture, microscopy, molecular tests, and related biomarkers. Data from 1,009 valid responses were stratified by hospital tier (tertiary A vs. non-tertiary A) and regional GDP levels to analyze on-site testing capacity and outsourcing patterns.

RESULTS: Among the 1,009 respondents, 78.5% were from tertiary A hospitals. Mycology testing was more commonly performed in tertiary hospitals compared to other. Traditional mycological diagnostic methods showed no significant differences in application across regions, regardless of economic development. However, disparities emerged in novel tests, particularly molecular diagnostics: hospitals in low-GDP regions were more likely to outsource molecular testing or lack in-house capacity.

CONCLUSIONS: China’s fungal diagnostic capacity remains concentrated in tertiary A hospitals and high-GDP regions. Future efforts should prioritize expanding molecular testing access and optimizing resource distribution across all healthcare settings.

PMID:40849872 | DOI:10.1007/s11046-025-00982-2

Discov Oncol. 2025 Aug 24;16(1):1606. doi: 10.1007/s12672-025-03472-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) has a high mortality rate due to the diagnosis in advanced stages. Aberrant DNA methylation is the earliest event in carcinogenesis and can be noninvasively detected in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from gastric cancer patients.

METHODS: A total of 143 serum samples were analyzed, including 33 GC patients, 30 chronic gastritis (ChG) patients, and 80 healthy individuals. Additionally, tissue samples were collected from 30 GC patients (stages I-IV) and 38 ChG patients. Methylation patterns of ten genes were examined in GC cells, as well as in serum and tissue samples from GC, ChG, and control groups using methylation-specific qPCR. Statistical evaluations were conducted on various parameters including Ct differences, categorical variables, sensitivity, and specificity.

RESULTS: APC, CDH1, RASSF1A, hMLH1, RUNX3, p16, SFRP2, RNF180, PCDH10, and RPRM were all significantly hypermethylated in the tissues of GC patients compared to those with ChG (P < 0.001). SFRP2, RPRM, APC, PCDH10, and RNF180 genes were analyzed in sera of 3 groups. Among them, SFRP2 methylation was detected in 71.87% of GC, 16.6% of ChG and 8.8% of the control group. The methylation frequencies of RPRM were 66.6% in GC, 13.3% in ChG, and 7.5% in the control group. In a dual-gene panel assay combining SFRP2 and RPRM, the sensitivity and specificity for detecting gastric cancer in serum samples were 57.58% and 96.25%, respectively, when comparing the cancer and control groups. The sensitivity was 78.79%, the specificity was 90.00% and AUC was 0.931 for GC and control groups (P < 0.0001). The sensitivity was 78.79%, the specificity was 83.33% and AUC was 0.879 for the discrimination of GC and ChG (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS: Methylation of 10 genes were studied and a prototype early diagnosis tool for GC utilizing SFRP2 and RPRM with high sensitivity and specificity was developed.

PMID:40849852 | DOI:10.1007/s12672-025-03472-5

Odontology. 2025 Aug 24. doi: 10.1007/s10266-025-01179-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

To investigate the influence of different resin composites used for sealing the screw-access hole of zirconia abutments on the fatigue behavior of lithium disilicate ceramic. Eighty 3YSZ abutment discs (IPS e.max ZirCAD MO, Ivoclar AG) (Ø = 10 mm; 3 mm thickness; Ø = 2.5 mm access channel) and lithium disilicate restorative discs (IPS e.max CAD, Ivoclar AG) (Ø = 10 mm; 1 mm thickness) were obtained and randomly allocated into four groups based on the sealing protocol (2 mm of thickness): Ctrl (PFTE Tape); PFTE tape + nanohybrid resin; PFTE tape + bulk-fill resin; and PFTE tape + Flow resin. After cementation procedures, monotonic (n = 5) and cyclic fatigue tests were conducted (n = 15; initial load of 100 N for 5000 cycles, increments of 100 N every 10,000 cycles at 20 Hz, immersed in distilled water) until failure. Fractographic and finite element analysis were also performed. One-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests were carried out for the monotonic data, while Kaplan-Meier and Mantel-Cox tests were used for survival rates. No statistically significant effect of the presence neither the type of resin composite material was observer after the monotonic tests. For the fatigue test, the Bulk and Nano groups exhibited significantly better performance than the Ctrl and Flow (Ctrl: 1100 N ≤ Flow: 1213 N < Nano: 1340 N ≤ Bulk: 1380 N, p ≤ 0.05). Nanohybrid or bulk-fill resin composites are recommended for sealing the abutment screw-access hole and optimize the performance of lithium disilicate restorations.

PMID:40849850 | DOI:10.1007/s10266-025-01179-1

J Relig Health. 2025 Aug 24. doi: 10.1007/s10943-025-02421-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Death literacy is a novel concept that refers to knowledge, skills, and experiences related to end-of-life and death care. The purpose of this study was to identify nursing students’ death literacy levels and examine the effects of sociodemographic characteristics, end-of-life care experiences, and spiritual well-being on death literacy. Data for this descriptive and correlational study were collected using a descriptive information form, the death literacy index, and the spiritual well-being scale. The study was carried out between 15 March and 30 May 2024 with the participation of nursing students (n = 930) enrolled in the Nursing Departments of two universities in Western Turkey. The participants’ death literacy was moderate, while their spiritual well-being was high. According to the results of the hierarchical linear regression analysis, the statistically significant factors affecting death literacy among nursing students were gender (β = 0.149), class year (β = 0.107), supporting someone with a life-threatening illness (β = 0.077), supporting a grieving person (β = 0.079), and the harmony with nature subdimension of spiritual well-being (β = 0.181). Transcendence was initially a significant predictor of death literacy; however, its direct effect diminished and became non-significant when the harmony with nature subdimension was added to the model. This suggests that transcendence may influence death literacy indirectly through its association with harmony with nature. In addition, the anomie subdimension was not found to be a significant predictor of death literacy. Having high levels of death literacy and spiritual well-being may help nursing students provide patients and patients’ relatives with higher-quality care. Therefore, the integration of these concepts into nursing education will increase the quality of patient care by helping nurses become more qualified and sensitive in their provision of end-of-life care.

PMID:40849847 | DOI:10.1007/s10943-025-02421-4

Curr Rheumatol Rev. 2025 Aug 15. doi: 10.2174/0115733971375944250811060418. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: 14-3-3η (eta), an intracellular chaperonin, is elevated in the serum of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, a progressive inflammatory “autoimmune” disease that impacts joint function and daily activities. This study aimed to assess 14-3-3η levels in DMARD-naïve Rheumatoid Arthritis patients and analyze their association with TNF-α, MMP-1, RA factor, ACCP, and disease activity.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 90 DMARD-naïve RA patients. The clinical evaluation included the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and the Disease Activity Score of 28 joints using ESR (DAS28-ESR). Serum levels of RF, ACCP, 14-3-3η, TNF-α, and MMP-1 were measured using ELISA. Mann-Whitney and Spearman correlation tests were applied, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Among 90 RA patients (76 females, 14 males), 68(75.6%) were seropositive. Serum levels of 14-3-3η and TNF-α differed significantly between seropositive and seronegative groups. TNF- α correlated positively with both 14-3-3η (r = 0.397, p < 0.001) and MMP-1 (r = 0.284, p = 0.007).

DISCUSSION: The correlation between 14-3-3η and TNF-α suggests a possible role for 14-3-3η as an adjunctive biomarker in early RA. While findings are promising, the small sample size and lack of follow-up warrant cautious interpretation. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm its clinical utility and integration within composite biomarker models.

CONCLUSION: Serum 14-3-3η may serve as a supportive biomarker for the diagnosis of early rheumatoid arthritis and assessment of disease activity. Its correlation with TNF-α reflects a potential link to inflammatory burden. Further large-scale, longitudinal studies are needed to confirm its clinical utility.

PMID:40849740 | DOI:10.2174/0115733971375944250811060418

Urol J. 2025 Aug 16. doi: 10.22037/uj.v22i.8061. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This paper reviewed studies comparing effectiveness of primary urethral realignment (PUR) and suprapubic cystostomy diversion (SCD) in the early treatment of blunt posterior urethral injuries (PUI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of original studies that directly compared the incidence of urethral strictures (US), urinary incontinence (UI), and erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients receiving primary management for pelvic fracture posterior urethral injuries with PUR vs SCD. We used Review Manager 5.3 for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: The initial search yielded 205 articles, and 14 met the inclusion criteria for the final systematic review. Meta-analysis showed that PUR was significantly more effective than SCD in reducing the proportion of US in the 365 and 335 cases of PUR and SCD, respectively (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.04-0.22, p < 0.0001). However, there was no significant difference between PUR and SCD in the incidence of UI (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.33-1.11) or ED (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.45-1.11).

CONCLUSION: PUR is more effective than SCD in reducing the incidence of US in patients with pelvic fracture posterior urethral injuries. However, there was no significant difference between PUR and SCD in the incidence of UI or ED.

PMID:40849733 | DOI:10.22037/uj.v22i.8061

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2025 Aug 1;26(8):3111-3122. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.8.3111.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality globally. Early detection through Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) screening is essential, particularly among at-risk populations. However, evidence linking dietary consumption behavior to FIT test outcomes remains limited in Thailand, especially in the southern region. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of positive FIT results and to examine the association between dietary consumption behavior and sociodemographic factors with positive FIT results among at-risk individuals in Southern Thailand.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted among participants aged 50-70 years who underwent FIT screening in primary healthcare units in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province between October 2023 and August 2024. Totally, 382 participants were included, 191 cases with positive- and 191 controls with negative-FIT results. The case-control ratio was 1:1. Data were collected using structured questionnaires assessing demographic characteristics, health risk factors, and dietary consumption behaviors. Crude and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with a positive FIT result.

RESULTS: The prevalence of positive FIT results was 13.77% (95% CI: 12.04-15.66). Multivariate analysis showed low dietary consumption behavior was prevalent (83.77%), it was not significantly associated with FIT positivity (AOR = 1.10, 95%CI: 0.71-1.68), after adjusting for confounders. However, lower education level (AOR = 0.50, 95%CI: 0.32-0.78), agricultural occupation (AOR = 0.45, 95%CI: 0.25-0.82), and monthly income between 3,000-8,000 Baht (AOR = 2.11, 95%CI: 1.27-3.49) were significantly associated with a positive FIT result.

CONCLUSION: Education, occupation, and income were significantly associated with positive FIT results. Targeted education and risk-reduction strategies are recommended to improve CRC screening outcomes in at-risk populations.

PMID:40849728 | DOI:10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.8.3111

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2025 Aug 1;26(8):3103-3109. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.8.3103.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The number of immediate breast reconstructions has significantly increased in recent years. Autologous breast reconstruction, in particular, offers superior long-term cosmetic outcomes and patient satisfaction. However, the effects of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) on autologous reconstructions remain a subject of debate. This study aims to evaluate the long-term outcomes of autologous breast reconstruction in patients who underwent PMRT compared to those who did not.

METHODS: Patients who underwent mastectomy and immediate autologous reconstruction between 2018 and 2023 were prospectively followed for complications and patient-reported outcomes. Patients were categorized into two groups: those who received PMRT (n = 43) and those who did not (n = 59). Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the BREAST-Q questionnaire, while complications were analyzed based on clinical records. Statistical analysis included logistic regression to identify factors associated with complications and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS: The incidence of overall complications were significantly higher in the irradiated group (46.5%) compared to the unirradiated group (23.7%). PMRT was associated with a higher rate of fat necrosis (39.5% vs 8.5%) and flap fibrosis (9.3% vs 0%). The BREAST-Q scores for the physical well-being of the chest and satisfaction with breast reconstruction were significantly lower in the irradiated group. The psychosocial well-being scores did not differ between the two groups. Patients irradiated with the IMRT and VMAT techniques had lower complication rates and higher BREAST-Q scores compared to those treated with the 3D technique.

CONCLUSION: While PMRT increases the risk of complications following autologous breast reconstruction, overall patient satisfaction remains high. The use of advanced radiotherapy techniques such as IMRT and VMAT may help mitigate some of the adverse effects associated with radiation therapy. Future research should focus on optimizing reconstruction techniques and refining patient selection criteria to enhance long-term outcomes.

PMID:40849727 | DOI:10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.8.3103

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2025 Aug 1;26(8):2909-2917. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.8.2909.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer constitute a major global health problem influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Genetic variations within base excision repair (BER and) nucleotide exchange repair (NER) pathway genes can impact DNA repair capacity. Investigating the combined effects of BER and NER pathway genes offers a promising avenue for understanding their impact on cancer susceptibility. This study was aimed to address combined effects of genetic variants in BER and NER on the risk of developing GI cancer.

METHODS: Genetic polymorphisms within BER and NER genes were examined in two hundred histologically confirmed GI cancer cases, along with equal number of controls by the PCR-RFLP technique. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI and associated p-values were computed to assess an extent of association of these polymorphisms with GI cancer susceptibility, with statistical significance established at p ≤0.005.

RESULTS: Regression analysis revealed compelling evidence of synergistic effects between specific variant genotypes. Notably, combinations involving variants of XPG (rs17655) and XRCC1 (rs1799782) (OR=2.20; 95% CI: 1.02-4.72; p=0.042) and XRCC1 (rs25487) (OR=2.56; 95% CI: 1.39-4.72; p=0.002) as well as XPD (rs238406) and XRCC1 (rs1799782) (OR=3.02; 95% CI: 1.60-5.70; p=0.0006) and XCC1 (rs25487) (OR=6.63; 95% CI: 3.63-12.10; p=0.0001) exhibited significant associations with increased GI cancer risk within the study population.

CONCLUSION: These findings suggested combined influence of SNPs within XRCC1, XRCC3, and APE1, in combination with polymorphisms of XPC and XPD, on the development of GI cancer. Nonetheless, further investigations on larger scale are warranted to validate and expand upon these observations.

PMID:40849707 | DOI:10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.8.2909