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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Unveiling the molecular landscape and clinically relevant molecular heterogeneity of mucosal melanoma of the head and neck region

Histopathology. 2025 Apr 15. doi: 10.1111/his.15456. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: Mucosal melanoma of the head and neck (MM-H&N) is an aggressive disease known for its frequent residual tumours/relapses (RT/R) at the surgical site, as well as eventual metastases. Our understanding of the MM-H&N mutational landscape, together with the correlation of specific mutations with clinical-pathological features, is significantly less comprehensive compared to that of cutaneous melanoma. Additionally, the mutational status of consecutive samples collected from single patients has not been investigated, which limits our ability to characterise the prognosis and treatment options for this patient subset.

METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 53 MM-H&N specimens from 27 patients were analysed using a laboratory-developed multigene next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel. Among these, material from 46 of 53 (86.8%) samples and from 25 of 27 patients (92.6%) was suitable for NGS. The most frequently detected mutations were found in the RAS genes family, specifically KRAS and NRAS (seven of 46, 15.2%), as well as TP53, KIT and BRAF (each in three of 46, 6.5%); 25 of 46 (54.3%) samples exhibited a wild-type (WT) status. A statistically significant association between BRAF/RAS mutations and mucosal lentiginous histology (P = 0.041) was observed. Additionally, four of 11 (36.4%) patients with consecutive specimens, with no pre-/intersurgery systemic therapies administered and all having at least two evaluable NGS results, demonstrated molecular heterogeneity in the analysed samples.

CONCLUSIONS: MM-H&N shows a significant percentage of WT cases and a limited number of targetable mutations, predominantly involving BRAF/RAS mutations, the latter of which are associated with mucosal lentiginous histology. A subset of patients with consecutive samples demonstrates discordant molecular results, indicating that NGS of all samples may be necessary to determine the most appropriate therapeutic approach.

PMID:40231352 | DOI:10.1111/his.15456

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Impact of Fatigue on Subjective and Objective Cognitive Functions in Persons with Post-COVID-19 Condition

Clin Nurs Res. 2025 Apr 15:10547738251329412. doi: 10.1177/10547738251329412. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) is a serious debilitating condition that develops after the resolution of an acute infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus 2. Some commonly reported symptoms include fatigue and cognitive deficits. Multiple lines of evidence have indicated fatigue to be associated with cognitive deficits in the general population. Herein, we perform a secondary analysis of the effects of fatigue on subjective and objective cognition in persons with PCC using a generalized linear model. In this study, fatigue was measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and cognition was measured using the Digit-Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) and the Trails Making Test parts A and B (TMT-A/B). FSS had a statistically significant negative correlation with DSST and TMT-A/B scores. Fatigue serves as a possible target for the development of PCC therapeutics. Fatigue and cognition correlates should be further investigated for underlying neurobiological substrates in persons with PCC.

PMID:40231351 | DOI:10.1177/10547738251329412

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Wearable technology identifies differences in change of direction kinetics and kinematics in soccer players with a history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2025 Apr 15. doi: 10.1002/ksa.12679. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study investigates change of direction (COD) performance and biomechanics using wearable technology in athletes with a history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) compared to healthy controls.

METHODS: A within and between subjects’ cross-sectional design was used. The sagittal plane kinematics of the hip, knee, and ankle during 90° side-step cutting were measured with inertial measurement units, while the vertical force was recorded with insoles in the players’ boots. Twenty-six professional soccer players participated (mean age 22.7 ± 3.7 years, height 177.8 ± 5.1 cm, weight 69.4 ± 8.5 kg). Sixteen players were healthy controls, and 10 were in a full-time ACL-R rehabilitation programme, assessed 9 months post-surgery. Mixed model analysis and statistical parametric mapping were used to compare COD completion time, kinetics, and kinematics between limbs (involved vs. uninvolved) and groups (ACL-R vs. controls) during the penultimate and final foot contacts.

RESULTS: No significant differences in COD completion time were found between limbs (p = 0.52, d = 0.22) or groups (p = 0.65, d = 0.51). However, during the penultimate foot contact, the involved limb exhibited greater ankle dorsiflexion compared to the uninvolved and controls from 48% to 100% of stance (p = 0.002, d = 0.94-1.86), with lower vertical force production (p > 0.05, d = 0.81-0.95). During the plant step, lower knee flexion angles were noted compared to the uninvolved limb and controls from 2% to 69% of stance (p = 0.011, d = 1.26-1.31).

CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that soccer players with ACL-R can restore COD completion time at the time to return to sport. However, they used compensatory movement strategies on the involved side to achieve similar performance, and this must be considered from a rehabilitation standpoint.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

PMID:40231346 | DOI:10.1002/ksa.12679

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Assessment of the Knowledge of Chronic Kidney Disease and Anemia Among University Students in Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study

ScientificWorldJournal. 2025 Apr 7;2025:9993948. doi: 10.1155/tswj/9993948. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is typically associated with anemia, with both implicated in global mortalities and morbidities. Adequate knowledge about these conditions might help individuals to prevent and/or manage them effectively. This study was aimed at assessing the knowledge of CKD and anemia regarding their causes, risk factors, and preventive practices among undergraduate students. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional design conducted from July 2023 to September 2023, involving 267 students pursuing either health-related or nonhealth-related programs. A structured questionnaire was administered to participants to assess their knowledge of CKD and anemia and was analyzed. Results: An overwhelming majority, 208 (77.9%), demonstrated a good level of general knowledge of CKD, whereas an even higher proportion, 215 (80.5%), had a good level of general knowledge of anemia. Also, the bulk of the participants, 222 (83.1%), showed a good level of knowledge of the relationship between CKD and anemia. There was a significant relationship between a student’s faculty and general CKD knowledge (p < 0.001). Participants in health-related faculties and in the third/fourth year significantly had good knowledge of CKD than those in nonhealth-related faculties and in the first/second year of studies. With regards to anemia, individuals aged 20 years and beyond had good knowledge of anemia than teenage students. There was also a significant relationship between a student’s faculty and general knowledge of anemia (p < 0.001), such that participants in health-related faculties were about 99% less likely to have poor knowledge of anemia than those in nonhealth-related faculties [AOR = 0.01 (0.00, 0.007)]. Conclusion: Students with good knowledge of CKD, anemia, and/or their interrelationships were the majority. However, students in health-related faculties significantly had good knowledge of both CKD and anemia than their counterparts in nonhealth-related faculties. Health-related courses that would enlighten students in nonhealth-related faculties should be promoted.

PMID:40231323 | PMC:PMC11996275 | DOI:10.1155/tswj/9993948

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry-based fingerprint analysis of volatile flavor compounds in ginger cultivated under different conditions

Curr Res Food Sci. 2025 Mar 25;10:101041. doi: 10.1016/j.crfs.2025.101041. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Ginger is widely acclaimed for its pungent aroma, nutritional benefits, and unique pharmacological properties, making it essential in culinary and medicinal applications. This study investigates volatile flavor profile differences in ginger resulting from various cultivation practices. Gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) was utilized to isolate and identify volatile compounds. Subsequent analyses, including relative odor activity values (ROAV) and multivariate statistical analysis, precisely identified key flavor compounds differentiating organically cultivated ginger from conventional field-grown varieties. A total of fifty-six volatile compounds were identified, comprising 17 esters, 4 alcohols, 7 ketones, 18 terpenoids, 6 aldehydes, and 4 miscellaneous compounds, with esters and terpenoids constituting over 50 % of total volatiles. Compounds such as α-phellandrene, β-citronellal, butyl 2-propenoate, 2-heptanone-D, and 3-octanone predominantly contributed lemon, banana, and citronella notes in organically cultivated ginger. In contrast, citral dominated in conventional ginger. This research significantly advances our understanding of ginger’s aroma under varied cultivation conditions and demonstrates GC-IMS’s utility in effectively profiling ginger flavor, thereby guiding improved cultivation and management.

PMID:40231314 | PMC:PMC11995100 | DOI:10.1016/j.crfs.2025.101041

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Clinical Characteristics, Prognostic Factors, and Thrombotic and Bleeding Outcomes in Philadelphia Chromosome-Negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: A Single-Center Cohort Study in Thailand

Cureus. 2025 Apr 12;17(4):e82141. doi: 10.7759/cureus.82141. eCollection 2025 Apr.

ABSTRACT

Background Patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (Ph-neg MPNs), including polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF), face elevated risks of thrombosis and major bleeding. Because of these potentially severe complications, antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies are often employed. This study aimed to evaluate thrombotic and bleeding events, identify associated risk factors, assess prognostic risk models, and investigate the effects of antithrombotic therapy in a Thai cohort of patients with Ph-neg MPNs. Methods This single-center cohort study in Thailand enrolled patients with Ph-neg MPNs from 2013 to 2023. Clinical characteristics, prognostic risk models (International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS), International Prognostic Score for Essential Thrombocythemia (IPSET)-thrombosis, and Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System (DIPSS)), and arterial and venous thrombotic events and bleeding complications were analyzed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and survival analysis. Results Among 173 patients, PV was the most common subtype (n = 111, 64.2%), with a male predominance and a median age of 57 years. Thrombotic events occurred in 36.9% (n = 41) of PV, 21.4% (n = 3) of PMF, and 18.8% (n = 9) of ET cases, with arterial thrombosis, particularly ischemic stroke, being the most frequent. The JAK2 V617F mutation was prevalent in 72.5% (n = 79) of PV, 70.8% (n = 34) of ET, and 50% (n = 5) of PMF patients. Notably, no major bleeding events were observed despite intensive antithrombotic therapy. Multivariable analysis revealed that prior ischemic stroke (OR 22.51, P = 0.007) and dizziness/headache (OR 7.26, P = 0.022) were significant risk factors for thrombosis. Overall survival (OS) varied by disease subtype. PV patients had a five-year OS of 94.9% and a 10-year OS of 87.2%. ET patients demonstrated a five-year OS of 77.4%. PMF patients had the lowest survival, with a five-year OS of 67.7%. Conclusions This cohort study offers important insights into the clinical characteristics and complication profiles of Ph-neg MPNs in a Thai population. Compared with Western cohorts, patients in this study exhibited a higher incidence of thrombotic events, particularly ischemic stroke. These findings emphasize the need to consider regional variations in disease presentation and underscore the value of individualized risk stratification to optimize patient management in diverse clinical settings.

PMID:40231292 | PMC:PMC11994368 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.82141

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Preliminary Evaluation of a Computerized Auditory Training Program to Enhance Binaural Listening Skills in Children with Specific Learning Disabilities

Iran J Child Neurol. 2025;19(2):119-129. doi: 10.22037/ijcn.v19i2.46670. Epub 2025 Mar 11.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Binaural processing deficits are commonly observed in children with specific learning disabilities (SLD). These deficits can significantly hinder learning, specifically in noisy environments, making rehabilitating binaural processing crucial. This study aimed to implement an auditory training program based on binaural interaction tasks at the brainstem level in children with learning disabilities who exhibit binaural processing issues and to assess its effectiveness.

MATERIALS & METHODS: A sample of fourteen children diagnosed with SLD was randomly divided into intervention (n=7) and control groups (n=7). The intervention group participated in a 12-week auditory training program based on binaural interaction. The training exercises were designed with modifications to a test battery classified as assessments of binaural interaction. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included masking level difference and Persian auditory recognition of words-in-noise tests.

RESULTS: The Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed a statistically significant change in the masking level difference and Persian auditory recognition of words-in-noise results from pre- to post-intervention within the intervention group. Additionally, a nonparametric analysis of covariance indicated a significant difference in post-intervention outcomes between the two groups, with both assessments showing a meaningful effect from the rehabilitation (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: This study’s findings suggest that computerized auditory training focused on binaural interactions may effectively address binaural processing challenges in children with SLD. Further research is recommended to confirm these initial findings and explore the benefits of binaural auditory training for social communication in this population.

PMID:40231283 | PMC:PMC11994137 | DOI:10.22037/ijcn.v19i2.46670

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Investigating the Relationship of Age and Gender with the Prevalence of Seizure Types in Children with COVID-19: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study in Firouzabadi Hospital

Iran J Child Neurol. 2025;19(2):109-117. doi: 10.22037/ijcn.v19i2.43612. Epub 2025 Mar 11.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: One of the clinical presentations of COVID-19 infection in children is seizure. Furthermore, based on other studies during the epidemy of the Omicron variant in Iran and other parts of the world, the incidence of seizure in children increased. Moreover, the distribution of different seizure types remains to be discovered due to the newness of the Omicron variant epidemic and the lack of studies in this field. Understanding the connections between demographic factors and different seizure types is crucial, as managing this disorder varies based on the type of seizure and the individual characteristics of each patient. This study aims to investigate the relationship between age and gender with the type of seizures in children under 18 years of age with the Omicron type of COVID-19.

MATERIALS & METHODS: In this this analytical cross-sectional study included 45 children diagnosed with COVID-19 and having seizures. The required information, including demographic characteristics and clinical findings of seizures, was recorded in them.

RESULTS: No statistically significant relationship was observed between demographic characteristics and the type of seizures.

CONCLUSION: Although this study contains significant clinical results, more studies are needed to clarify this issue due to its limitations.

PMID:40231278 | PMC:PMC11994132 | DOI:10.22037/ijcn.v19i2.43612

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Gender and Age Differences in Seronegative Pediatric Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis Profiles: Results and Insights from a Tertiary Center

Iran J Child Neurol. 2025;19(2):77-91. doi: 10.22037/ijcn.v19i2.46613. Epub 2025 Mar 11.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a rapid-onset inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) disorder in children, causing demyelination, encephalopathy, and neurological deficits, often following infections.

MATERIALS & METHODS: This 10-year retrospective study evaluated pediatric patients with seronegative acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), focusing on clinical, laboratory, and imaging profiles. The various profiles were assessed to determine age- and/or sex-based differences.

RESULTS: The study reviewed 36 patients, with an average age of 6.08 years and predominantly male (61.1%). Clinical presentations included fever, nausea, vomiting, and seizures, with left facial hemiparesis being more common in girls (P-value = 0.023), while abnormal deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) and right-sided pathologies were more common in older patients (P-value < 0.05). Recent laboratory results have revealed differences between peripheral lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells. Imaging revealed predominantly bilateral lesions, with older patients more likely to show lesions in the right parietal and occipital lobes (P-value = 0.01 and 0.04). Bilateral parietal lobe lesions were significantly correlated with several laboratory findings across the different subgroups. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that these findings were statistically significant in regards to peripheral PMN and lymphocytes in the age category and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein in the gender category (P-value < 0.05). Additionally, girls, particularly those who were older, had significantly higher involvement of the cervical spine (P-value = 0.04 and 0.02).

CONCLUSION: This study reveals age and sex-related differences in the clinical presentation and imaging findings of seronegative pediatric ADEM, showcasing the various demographic factors in patient profiles.

PMID:40231275 | PMC:PMC11994128 | DOI:10.22037/ijcn.v19i2.46613

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Common haematological malignancies in Northeastern Nigeria: a multi-centre study of their pattern, distribution and treatment challenges

Front Oncol. 2025 Mar 31;15:1404686. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2025.1404686. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Haematological malignancies (HMs) are primary cancers of the blood and blood-forming organs. They are heterogeneous and of diverse clinical features, treatment protocols and prognoses. They constitute a significant source of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Northeastern Nigeria, being the region in the country with the worst literacy rate and poverty indices, is also battling with the burden of these diseases with the limited health facilities to adequately diagnose and treat these ailments. There is paucity of a comprehensive data on HMs in the region, so this study aims to report on the multi-centre burden of the common HMs in the region and to discuss their patterns of distribution and management challenges.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a 5-year retrospective study where records of cases of HMs diagnosed in the four health facilities [viz., Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi; Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Gombe; Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH), Yola; and Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Azare] were collected from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2022. Data on the age, gender, diagnosis and subtypes of some malignancies were also obtained and analysed using the SPSS Version 23.0 statistical software.

RESULTS: A total of 493 cases of HMs, which constituted 8.2% of all cancers, were diagnosed during the period under review. Paediatric HMs constituted 42.0% (207/493) of the HMs. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) constituted the majority of the HMs at 115/490 (23.5%), while multiple myeloma (MM) was the least at 38/493 (7.7%). An average cost of 5,000 to 10,000 United States dollars is required to manage an HM in Nigeria. Late presentation of patients, non-availability and inadequate number of personnel, inability to pay for investigations and/or treatments due to financial constraints, and limited facilities for tests such as flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, cytogenetic and molecular genetic analyses were the challenges identified in the institutions in Northeastern Nigeria that manage cancer patients.

CONCLUSION: Haematological malignancies are common in our environment, and there are limited facilities and expertise to accurately diagnose and treat them in the region and Nigeria in general.

PMID:40231268 | PMC:PMC11994308 | DOI:10.3389/fonc.2025.1404686