Tag: nevin manimala

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2025 Sep 18. doi: 10.1007/s11356-025-36962-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The increasing presence of recalcitrant compounds in water and wastewater, such as heavy metals, dyes, fluorides, and pharmaceuticals, challenges conventional treatment methods, which often exhibit low efficiency, high reagent consumption, or the generation of undesirable by-products. In this context, electrocoagulation emerges as a promising alternative, as it generates coagulants in situ, reduces the need for chemical additives, and demonstrates high efficiency in pollutant removal. The aim of this study was to identify the constructional and operational parameters that most influence the efficiency of transitioning from batch to continuous electrocoagulation systems. To achieve this, a scientometric review based on the PRISMA methodology was conducted, with a statistical analysis of 60 articles selected from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. Results indicated that the most investigated pollutants were COD, turbidity, and apparent color, with aluminum and iron electrodes being predominant. Average removal efficiency was slightly higher in batch mode, but without a statistically significant difference compared to continuous mode (p > 0.05). Parameters such as initial pH and electrode spacing positively affected efficiency, while current density and electrode area showed a negative correlation. It is concluded that the transition from batch to continuous reactors is feasible, provided appropriate adjustments to operational and constructional parameters are made, offering practical guidance for industrial-scale applications.

PMID:40968306 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-025-36962-8

J Gen Intern Med. 2025 Sep 18. doi: 10.1007/s11606-025-09826-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Black patients have poorer physical function and mobility compared to White patients but utilize physical rehabilitation services less.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether racial differences exist in physical function and post-acute care facility utilization and whether neighborhood social disadvantage influences these differences.

DESIGN: A cross-sectional study of hospitalized patients at a large urban academic hospital.

PARTICIPANTS: We included self-identified Black or White adults who were hospitalized between January 2018 and May 2022.

MAIN MEASURES: The main exposure was self-identified race. The exposure in our secondary aim was neighborhood social disadvantage measured by the Area Deprivation Index. Neighborhood disadvantage was categorized as “more” (deciles 6-10) vs. “less” (deciles 1-5). Primary outcomes included inpatient functional measures, inpatient and post-acute physical therapy referral, and discharge location.

KEY RESULTS: Compared to White patients, Black patients had more functional impairment on admission [OR 1.52; 95% CI (1.37, 1.69)], poorer mobility change [β-0.83; 95% CI (- 1.16, 0.50)], more mobility loss [OR 1.25; 95% CI (1.12, 1.41)], but no statistically significant difference in inpatient PT referrals after adjusting for physical function. Most differences in function persisted when stratified by neighborhood disadvantage. Despite similar odds of recommendation for discharge to a PAC facility, Black patients had significantly lower odds of discharge to a facility [OR 0.53; 95% CI (0.42, 0.68). This difference persisted when stratified by more neighborhood disadvantage [OR 0.60; 95% CI (0.43, 0.85)] and less neighborhood disadvantage [OR 0.43; 95% CI (0.31, 0.61)].

CONCLUSION: In this study of patients hospitalized at a large urban academic medical center, Black patients had poorer functional outcomes yet nearly half the likelihood of discharging to a post-acute care facility compared to White patients. Race was a more consistent driver of disparities than neighborhood disadvantage. Hospital, healthcare system, and public policy changes are needed to improve discharge location appropriateness and recovery after hospitalization for vulnerable patients.

PMID:40968303 | DOI:10.1007/s11606-025-09826-7

Eur Radiol. 2025 Sep 18. doi: 10.1007/s00330-025-12001-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aims to analyse the different safety aspects and evidence of CO₂ as a contrast agent in vascular applications as an alternative to iodine-based contrast media (ICM). The review addresses clinical applications, contraindications, safety measures, and the impact of CO₂ on the risk reduction of contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library, focusing on relevant literature centred around clinical questions by the Contrast Media Safety Committee of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology.

RESULTS: Eleven studies encompassing meta-analyses, randomised controlled trials, and comparative studies were included. The review found that CO₂ angiography is a safe alternative to ICM in various vascular applications, especially in patients at risk for CA-AKI. CO₂ is associated with a higher incidence of minor, non-serious adverse events compared to ICM. No critical dose for CO₂ is established, but safe administration protocols and measures were outlined. CO₂ demonstrated a lower incidence of CA-AKI in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) procedures, but evidence in endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) was less conclusive.

CONCLUSION: CO₂ is a safe alternative to ICM in vascular procedures, potentially reducing the risk of CA-AKI, especially in PAD procedures. However, more large-scale RCTs are needed to confirm these findings and further investigate other risk factors contributing to CA-AKI in both EVAR and PAD procedures.

KEY POINTS: Question What safety aspects and evidence support CO2 use as a contrast agent in vascular applications instead of ICM? Findings CO2 angiography is safe when considering specific safety measures and clinical applications; evidence on the reduction of ICM volume and CA-AKI is limited. Clinical relevance CO2 angiography offers an alternative to ICM, especially in CA-AKI risk patients. More large-scale, multicentre RCTs are required to strengthen the evidence and to investigate other risk factors due to a high residual risk of CA-AKI when using CO2 angiography.

PMID:40968298 | DOI:10.1007/s00330-025-12001-5

Nat Genet. 2025 Sep 18. doi: 10.1038/s41588-025-02335-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Large biobanks, such as the UK Biobank (UKB), enable massive phenome by genome-wide association studies that elucidate genetic etiology of complex traits. However, people from diverse genetic ancestry groups are often excluded from association analyses due to concerns about population structure introducing false positive associations. Here we generate mixed model associations and meta-analyses across genetic ancestry groups, inclusive of a larger fraction of the UK Biobank than previous efforts, to produce freely available summary statistics for 7,266 traits. We build a quality control and analysis framework informed by genetic architecture. Overall, we identify 14,676 significant loci (P < 5 × 10^-8) in the meta-analysis that were not found in the EUR genetic ancestry group alone, including new associations, for example between CAMK2D and triglycerides. We also highlight associations from ancestry-enriched variation, including a known pleiotropic missense variant in G6PD associated with several biomarker traits. We release these results publicly alongside frequently asked questions that describe caveats for interpretation of results, enhancing available resources for interpretation of risk variants across diverse populations.

PMID:40968291 | DOI:10.1038/s41588-025-02335-7

Support Care Cancer. 2025 Sep 18;33(10):861. doi: 10.1007/s00520-025-09896-7.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We successfully implemented the American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM’s) Exercise is Medicine® (EIM) initiative in a community oncology clinic. This study evaluated the impact of the evidence-based exercise intervention, adhering to ACSM guidelines on patient outcomes.

METHODS: Using a quasi-experimental research design, An experienced ACSM-certified cancer exercise trainer delivered a 12-week biweekly, online group exercise intervention to 19 patients undergoing chemotherapy. Fifteen (78.8%) completed pre/post-self-report surveys on the program’s acceptability and impact, change in physical activity vital signs (PAVS), and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We also assessed exercise uptake and PAVS at each clinic visit. Data were analyzed using t-tests and content analysis.

RESULTS: On average, participants were 60 years, female (94%), non-Latino/White (60%), had stage IV cancer (92.3%), And had been receiving chemotherapy for An average of 10 months. The intervention was acceptable (86.4% enrollment) and had excellent retention (89.5%), with moderate adherence (68%). No adverse events were reported. Reasons for lack of adherence were medical reasons and treatment side effects. Compared to baseline, participants reported non-statistically significant increased aerobic exercise and improvements in HRQOL post-intervention. Participants rated the intervention as satisfactory, acceptable, and suitable (all > 4 out of 5 on a Likert scale). In open-text comments, six (40%) of the participants appreciated being asked about PAVS at the clinic, while three (20%) did not.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing chemotherapy, the majority of whom had stage IV cancer, could safely participate in an online group exercise program. Larger studies among different patient populations are needed.

PMID:40968289 | DOI:10.1007/s00520-025-09896-7

Nat Commun. 2025 Sep 18;16(1):8317. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-63913-1.

ABSTRACT

AI scientists powered by large language models have demonstrated substantial promise in autonomously conducting experiments and facilitating scientific discoveries across various disciplines. While their capabilities are promising, these agents also introduce novel vulnerabilities that require careful consideration for safety. However, there has been limited comprehensive exploration of these vulnerabilities. This perspective examines vulnerabilities in AI scientists, shedding light on potential risks associated with their misuse, and emphasizing the need for safety measures. We begin by providing an overview of the potential risks inherent to AI scientists, taking into account user intent, the specific scientific domain, and their potential impact on the external environment. Then, we explore the underlying causes of these vulnerabilities and provide a scoping review of the limited existing works. Based on our analysis, we propose a triadic framework involving human regulation, agent alignment, and an understanding of environmental feedback (agent regulation) to mitigate these identified risks. Furthermore, we highlight the limitations and challenges associated with safeguarding AI scientists and advocate for the development of improved models, robust benchmarks, and comprehensive regulations.

PMID:40968279 | DOI:10.1038/s41467-025-63913-1

Sci Rep. 2025 Sep 18;15(1):32611. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-20238-9.

ABSTRACT

Preeclampsia is a multi-factorial disease, with both genetic and environmental factors contributing to its development. The genetic susceptibility in preeclampsia has been determined to be around 50%. STORKHEAD_BOX1 PROTEIN 1 (STOX1), is the gene of interest in this study. The most frequent variant of this gene is c.457T > C (rs1341667). This case-control study was conducted on 96 participants recruited from both the Obstetrics outpatient clinic at Kasr Al Ainy hospital and the High-Risk Pregnancy Department, Cairo University. Patients were divided into 2 groups: (group I: 48 pregnant females with preeclampsia diagnosed on basis of the American College of obstetrics and gynecology criteria, group II: 48 healthy control pregnant females of matching age were included. After collecting the blood sample, DNA was extracted and detection of STOX1(NM_001130161.3): c.457T > C: p. (Tyr153His) gene variant by TaqMan Real-Time PCR were done on all involved individuals. The homozygous CC genotype, previously linked to increased preeclampsia risk, was identified in 27.1% of controls (n = 13) and 31.3% of cases (n = 15), with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.654). The heterozygous CT genotype, associated with moderate risk, was observed in 41.7% of controls (n = 20) and 39.6% of cases (n = 19) (P = 0.835). The inheritance model analysis showed no statistically significant association between the STOX1 c.457T > C variant and preeclampsia under any of the tested models. Genotypic distribution conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in both groups, supporting the absence of deviation. These findings suggest no significant association between the STOX1 (NM_001130161.3): c.457T > C (p.Tyr153His) variant and susceptibility to preeclampsia in the studied population.

PMID:40968268 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-20238-9

Ann Surg Oncol. 2025 Sep 18. doi: 10.1245/s10434-025-18312-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study systematically evaluates the effectiveness of chewing gum as a nonpharmacological intervention to facilitate gastrointestinal recovery after gastrointestinal surgery.

METHODS: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to factor influencing patient recovery. 18, 2025, focusing on randomized controlled trials comparing chewing gum use versus standard care postsurgery. Data were synthesized through systematic review and meta-analysis according to PRISMA guidelines. Key outcomes included time to first postoperative flatus and bowel movement, hospital stay length, and incidence of postoperative bowel obstruction.

RESULTS: Thirty-five trials involving 4,898 patients met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis showed significant reductions in time to first postoperative flatus (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -12.19 hours; 95% confidence interval [CI] [-15.41, -8.98]; P < 0.00001), time to first bowel movement (WMD = -19.54 hours; 95% CI [-25.39, -13.68]; P < 0.00001), and hospital stay (WMD = -0.93 days; 95% CI [-1.3, -0.56]; P < 0.00001). A decrease in postoperative bowel obstruction incidence was also noted (relative risk [RR] = 0.7; 95% CI [0.56, 0.89]; P = 0.004). No significant effects on bloating, vomiting, nausea, or time to first feeding were observed.

CONCLUSIONS: Chewing gum is a safe and cost-effective adjunct to postoperative care, enhancing gastrointestinal recovery. Its inclusion in postoperative protocols is recommended for appropriate patients to improve recovery outcomes. Further studies are needed to examine long-term benefits and implementation in clinical settings.

PMID:40968235 | DOI:10.1245/s10434-025-18312-7

Surg Endosc. 2025 Sep 18. doi: 10.1007/s00464-025-12200-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: High-quality program development in surgical education is essential for ensuring that training initiatives are both effective and scalable. Implementing such programs requires careful consideration of their long-term sustainability and impact on diverse clinical settings. The Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) developed the Master’s Program as a structured, competency-based online curriculum designed to provide high-quality continuing education for surgeons at various career stages. This study evaluates the pilot phase of the Master’s Program, emphasizing its effectiveness in training surgeons while assessing its scalability and implementation challenges within surgical education frameworks.

METHODS: A mixed-methods approach was used, combining qualitative and quantitative assessments. A purposive sample of U.S.-based surgeons was recruited through SAGES membership outreach and snowball sampling. Participants engaged in video-conferenced usability testing and completed the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA) questionnaire. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed using thematic analysis, while quantitative responses were evaluated using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS: A total of 27 surgeons participated. Participant demographics: Of the 27 participants, 16 (59%) were practicing surgeons and 41% were trainees. Sixty-three percent of practicing surgeons were in community hospitals, and half had less than five years of experience. Participants rated the program highly in overall acceptability (mean: 4.7/5), confidence in applying the material (4.6/5), and ease of navigation (2.0/5 indicating low burden). Qualitative themes identified included content accessibility, navigational challenges, and recommendations for deeper, more advanced material for experienced surgeons.

CONCLUSIONS: The SAGES Master’s Program demonstrated strong acceptability, particularly among early-career surgeons. While the modular, structured approach was well received, refinements are needed to better cater to advanced practitioners. To enhance adoption and scale this program, future iterations should focus on the planned expanded content depth, improved navigation, and institutional purchasing models to enhance adoption.

PMID:40968211 | DOI:10.1007/s00464-025-12200-7