Tag: nevin manimala

BMC Public Health. 2025 Dec 1. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-25539-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) are widely used to prioritize public funding for science, technology and innovation (ST&I) in health. In universal systems such as Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS), however, allocation decisions may also incorporate broader political and social considerations.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether Brazilian public ST&I funding for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and Zika (2006-2019) aligned with disease burden measured by DALYs, and to examine how observed funding patterns reflect political commitments to health equity and innovation in the Global South.

METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of national research calls (2006-2019). Actual disbursements were compared with expected values proportional to the DALY distribution for each disease. Associations between DALYs and funding were evaluated using Spearman correlation.

RESULTS: High-burden diseases-including tuberculosis, Chagas disease and schistosomiasis-received less funding than expected, while Zika and leprosy obtained disproportionately higher investments. Overall, the correlation between DALYs and funding was weak and not statistically significant; a significant negative trend emerged within a subgroup of major NTDs.

CONCLUSIONS: DALYs did not operate as the sole criterion guiding Brazil’s ST&I funding. Political urgency, social mobilization and SUS operational priorities influenced allocation, indicating that ST&I functions not only as a technical instrument but also as a political strategy to reduce health inequities and foster context‑appropriate innovation for vulnerable populations in the Global South.

PMID:41327158 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-25539-2

BMC Psychiatry. 2025 Dec 1. doi: 10.1186/s12888-025-07654-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Although the associations between intimate partner violence and women’s adverse mental health are widely recognized, inconsistencies persist concerning specific risk factors, forms of IPV, and related mental disorders. Women often hesitate to disclose their experience without proactive and sensitive questioning from healthcare professionals. The aim of this review is to summarize existing evidence on the effects of IPV experience on mental disorders and associated factors among women through a synthesis of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of quantitative studies.

METHODS: The review adhered to a standardized protocol based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRIOSMA) guidelines. We searched databases, including Medline/PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and HINARY, from inception to April 15, 2025. Only English-language articles were included. The updated A MeaSurement Tool to Assess the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2) was employed. Two independent reviewers assessed the methodological quality of the studies.

RESULTS: Seventeen reviews were included from the initial identification of 1,167 articles. The qualitative synthesis revealed a significant association between intimate partner violence and common mental disorders, including depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and perinatal disorders. The methodological quality of the included reviews ranged from low to critically low.

CONCLUSION: Qualitative synthesis revealed a significant association between IPV and adverse mental health outcomes in women. However, given that the methodological quality of the included reviews ranged from low to critically low, these findings must be interpreted with caution.

PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: The protocol was registered on PROSPERO under registration number CRD42025643126.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

PMID:41327156 | DOI:10.1186/s12888-025-07654-x

BMC Oral Health. 2025 Dec 1;25(1):1861. doi: 10.1186/s12903-025-07213-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hypohyperdontia, a rare numeric dental anomaly combining tooth agenesis and supernumerary teeth (ST), impacts aesthetics and function. Limited epidemiological data exist in Chinese populations. This study investigates its prevalence and distribution.

METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed 10,112 panoramic radiographs(PRs)(August 2021 ~ December 2023) to assess hypohyperdontia prevalence, distribution and associated characteristics, including patient demographics, dentition type, ST (number, morphology, location, orientation), and tooth agenesis patterns (number, location). The hypohyperdontia patients were stratified into pre- and post-eruption groups based on permanent anterior/supernumerary tooth eruption status. All data were presented as counts(n) and percentage (%), and statistically analysed using logistic regression and Chi-square test.

RESULTS: Prevalence was 0.66% (67/10112; M: F 42:25) without gender difference (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 0.78-2.11, p = 0.329). Most cases were diagnosed in the mixed dentition (mean age: 6.97 years), with 85.07% (57/67) affecting both jaws. The anteroposterior type (58.21%, 39/67) predominated over anterior type (41.79%, 28/67). Eruption-wise, 10 and 57 cases were pre- and post-eruption, respectively. ST were predominantly single (73.13%, 49/67), conical (56/85), and vertically/inverted-oriented (38/85 and 34/85, respectively), with premaxillary predilection (p = 0.001). Single-tooth agenesis was most common (38/67 cases; total missing teeth = 115). Mandibular agenesis was more frequent (p = 0.001), primarily affecting second premolars (64/115), followed by lateral incisors (26/115), without side preference (p = 0.641).

CONCLUSIONS: Hypohyperdontia prevalence is 0.66%, within the global range (0.002% to 3.1%) with no gender bias. Typically diagnosed in mixed dentition, most cases are bimaxillary involvement. Isolated posterior involvement is rare. ST and agenesis patterns mirror isolated anomalies. Early panoramic screening in suspected cases facilitates timely multidisciplinary management to prevent functional and aesthetic complications.

PMID:41327153 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-025-07213-6

BMC Pediatr. 2025 Dec 1;25(1):975. doi: 10.1186/s12887-025-06050-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Children born to HIV-positive mothers are at increased risk for a range of neonatal complications that may negatively impact auditory development. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like South Africa, where both HIV exposure and adverse neonatal outcomes are prevalent, understanding the relationship between early clinical risk factors and hearing loss is critical for informing early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) strategies.

METHODS: This study aimed to examine the association between neonatal complications-such as prematurity, low birth weight, hyperbilirubinemia, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, and ototoxic drug exposure-and hearing outcomes in children born to HIV-positive mothers in a South African tertiary care setting. A retrospective secondary data analysis was conducted on medical records of 85 children aged 0-5 years who were born to HIV-positive mothers and assessed at an Academic Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. Demographic, clinical, and audiological data were extracted and analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression to identify significant associations and predictors of hearing loss.

RESULTS: The cohort demonstrated a balanced gender distribution, with most children between 2 and 5 years old. Low birth weight (58.8%), prematurity (44.7%), and NICU admission (49.4%) were the most prevalent neonatal risk factors. Hearing loss was identified in 17.6% of the sample, with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) accounting for the majority of cases (11.8%). Significant associations were found between hearing loss and prematurity (p = 0.042), low birth weight (p = 0.031), hyperbilirubinemia (p = 0.016), NICU admission (p = 0.028), and ototoxic drug exposure (p = 0.012). Logistic regression analysis revealed that hyperbilirubinemia (OR = 4.12, p = 0.005) and ototoxic drug exposure (OR = 5.19, p = 0.002) were the strongest independent predictors of hearing loss.

CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal complications are key contributors to hearing loss among HIV-exposed children in South Africa. These findings, particularly the identification of hyperbilirubinemia and ototoxic exposure as the strongest predictors, highlight the urgent need for risk-based EHDI approaches, routine audiological follow-up for at-risk neonates, and integration of hearing health services into existing maternal and child health frameworks. Strengthening early identification efforts in LMICs is essential to reducing preventable hearing loss and promoting equitable developmental outcomes.

PMID:41327152 | DOI:10.1186/s12887-025-06050-4

BMC Oral Health. 2025 Dec 1;25(1):1859. doi: 10.1186/s12903-025-07156-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is characterized by short and sharp pain that impacts quality of life. Effective management focuses on occluding exposed dentinal tubules. This study compared the effectiveness of intermittent and simultaneous calcium phosphate (CP) application with cyanoacrylate (CA) in tubule occlusion.

METHODS: Eighty extracted human premolars without periodontal disease were used to prepare standardized root dentin specimens. After removal of the crowns and apical thirds, disk-shaped fragments were obtained and treated with EDTA to remove the smear layer. The specimens were then randomly allocated to eight groups and treated with CP, CA, or their combination using different protocols (single, multiple, intermittent, or simultaneous layers). All samples were stored in artificial saliva until examination. Dentin tubule occlusion was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and quantitative measurements of tubule exposure and diameter were performed. Statistical analyses were conducted using nonparametric tests, with the significance level set at p < .05.

RESULTS: The CA and CP + CA groups were most effective in occluding dentinal tubules (p < .01). Intermittent CP application showed similar results to these groups and was more effective than simultaneous application (p < .01). In addition, a positive correlation was found between the number and diameter of exposed tubules across all groups (p < .01).

CONCLUSION: Intermittent CP application enhanced tubule occlusion compared with simultaneous use. Under the limitations of this in vitro study, the addition of CA to CP produced outcomes comparable to those of intermittently applied CP.

PMID:41327149 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-025-07156-y

BMC Med Inform Decis Mak. 2025 Dec 2;25(1):437. doi: 10.1186/s12911-025-03271-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) offers state-of-the-art volume, function, fibrosis and oedema imaging. Quality assurance (QA) tasks, such as quantitative parameter reproducibility assessments, the evaluation of AI methods, and the assessment of trainees have become essential to CMR. However, the explainability of how qualitative differences impact quantitative differences remains underexplored. Our aim is to demonstrate a semi-automated QA tool, Lazy Luna’s (LL) applicability to typical CMR QA application cases.

METHODS: A software feature error-tracing is designed that allows for quickly pinpointing qualitative reasons for quantitative differences and outliers. Three QA application cases were designed. First, LL was applied to perform outlier detection for inter- and intraobserver analyses to detect failure cases and provide qualitative explanations. Outlier detection was performed on several typical images types. Second, LL supported an Artificial intelligence (AI) evaluation, in which an AI method was compared to a CMR-expert of 144 patients. LL assessed the acceptability of AI biases for left and right ventricular (LV, RV) end-systolic, -diastolic, and stroke volumes (ESV, EDV, SV), ejection fractions (EF) and the myocardial mass (LVM). Annotations were examined to explain the qualitative differences that resulted in good and poor parameters. The AI investigation was recorded as a video. Third, LL was used to provide a Trainee Feedback to a CMR beginner. The trainee was compared to an expert on several imaging techniques to investigate outliers.

RESULTS: For the outlier detection, LL detected segmentation differences that caused parameter differences on multiple sequences. For the AI evaluation calculated clinical parameter biases to be: LVESV:-3.1 ml, LVEDV:2.1 ml, LVSV:6.5 ml, LVEF:3.0 ml, RVESV:0.3 ml, RVEDV:-3.8 ml, RVSV:-4.2 ml, RVEF:-1.4 ml, LVM:-2 g. Inspecting the causes for outlier differences revealed that juxtaposed basal slice failures caused unacceptable LVSV deviations between AI and expert. For the trainee assessment, LL showed that trainee parameters exceeded tolerance ranges. The segmentations could be improved to better mirror expert segmentations and close the parameter gaps.

CONCLUSION: Lazy Luna, as a semi-automated quality assurance tool, is applicable to several quality assurance application cases in CMR.

PMID:41327147 | DOI:10.1186/s12911-025-03271-6

BMC Infect Dis. 2025 Dec 1. doi: 10.1186/s12879-025-12237-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Anemia is the most common hematological manifestation among visceral leishmaniasis patients. The cause of anemia is multifactorial: sequestration and destruction of red blood cells in an enlarged spleen, immune mechanisms, and alterations in RBC membrane permeability have been implicated. Studies on the magnitude of anemia among visceral leishmaniasis patients were inconsistent. Therefore, this review aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of anemia among visceral leishmaniasis patients in Ethiopia.

METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the PRISMA guidelines. Comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Science Direct, African journals online, and grey literatures like Google Scholar and Google, of studies published from inception to January 2025, supplemented by manual searches to identify relevant studies. Three authors independently selected studies, extracted data, and assessed the critical appraisal of studies. The JBI critical appraisal tool was used for quality appraisal. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata 11.0 software. The I² test statistic was used to test the heterogeneity of the included studies. Moreover, Funnel plots analysis and Egger-weighted regression tests were done to detect publication bias. The overall pooled prevalence was calculated using the random-effects model.

RESULTS: A total of 9 eligible studies with 2,075 study participants were included to estimate the pooled prevalence of anemia among visceral leishmaniasis patients. The combined prevalence of anemia among visceral leishmaniasis patients was 88.91% (95% CI: 84.45-93.37). Regionally, the highest prevalence of anemia among studies conducted in the Tigray region was 96.0% (95% CI; 92.0-99.9). Moreover, the prevalence of anemia among visceral leishmaniasis patients according to the study design was 88.0% (95% CI; 81.8-94.1), 93.6% (95% CI; 87.9-99.3), and 85.5% (95% CI; 82.0-88.9) in a retrospective cross-sectional study, cross-sectional study, and the retrospective cohort study respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis found a high prevalence of anemia among visceral leishmaniasis patients in Ethiopia. Red blood cell parameters should be assessed regularly to prevent and monitor anemia disorders in those study groups.

PMID:41327144 | DOI:10.1186/s12879-025-12237-y

BMC Med Educ. 2025 Dec 1;25(1):1665. doi: 10.1186/s12909-025-08272-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The education of health professionals plays a crucial role in developing the competence-based learning that is essential for their future practice. Increased student engagement and participation has been shown to significantly enhance academic achievement compared to passive knowledge integration during lectures or tutorials. However, the effectiveness of different learning strategies can vary depending on the individual and the context. This study investigated the impact of note-taking and generating multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on physiotherapy students’ performance in summative examinations, as well as their preferences for using these methods.

METHODS: A cluster-randomised controlled crossover study was conducted among first-year undergraduate physiotherapy students enrolled in a psychology course at a Polish medical university. The study included 173 students (116 females, 57 males), aged 18-23 years. Following the psychology module, students completed a homework assignment, either a written note or an MCQ, which was subsequently reviewed by instructors. These materials were intended to support students’ preparation for the final psychology examination. The effectiveness of each method as a tool for knowledge consolidation was evaluated using summative exam scores. Additionally, students provided qualitative feedback on their preferred learning method via an open-ended question.

RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference at the 5% level in students’ summative exam performance between the two learning methods. Overall, students expressed a preference for note-taking over the MCQ format, citing greater familiarity due to its use during their secondary education. However, students who began the learning process with the MCQ method demonstrated a slightly higher preference for that approach.

CONCLUSIONS: Given the diversity of student preferences, the integration of note-taking and MCQ learning methods may optimise the educational experience in psychology training. Further research should investigate their equivalence, taking into account students’ choice of learning method.

PMID:41327143 | DOI:10.1186/s12909-025-08272-7

BMC Oral Health. 2025 Dec 1;25(1):1860. doi: 10.1186/s12903-025-07254-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Detecting the second mesiobuccal (MB2) canal in maxillary first molars is challenging, even with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Artificial intelligence (AI), especially deep learning, has been explored as a tool to aid detection.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of AI in identifying MB2 canals on CBCT.

METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive electronic search across five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus Secondary) retrieved 52 articles. After removing duplicates and screening titles/abstracts, 7 full texts were assessed, of which 4 met the inclusion criteria. Studies were eligible if they applied AI algorithms for MB2 detection in CBCT images and reported diagnostic performance outcomes. Data extraction included study design, dataset size, AI model architecture, and diagnostic metrics. Pooled estimates of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I² statistic, and publication bias was evaluated with Egger’s test.

RESULTS: Four studies were included. AI models achieved a pooled sensitivity of 0.82 and specificity of 0.74. Deep learning models outperformed traditional machine learning, with higher sensitivity (0.87 vs. 0.80), specificity (0.90 vs. 0.68), and accuracy (0.84 vs. 0.75). Considerable heterogeneity and small sample sizes limited generalizability.

CONCLUSION: AI, particularly deep learning, shows promise in detecting MB2 canals on CBCT. While current evidence is preliminary, standardised AI training and reporting protocols, together with larger multicenter studies, are needed to validate these tools. Clinically, AI could serve as a supplementary aid to improve diagnostic consistency and reduce missed canals during endodontic treatment.

PMID:41327142 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-025-07254-x

BMC Urol. 2025 Dec 1;25(1):298. doi: 10.1186/s12894-025-01973-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Premature ejaculation (PE) is a prevalent male sexual dysfunction with limited comparative data on pharmacological treatments. This randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of four active pharmacological interventions for lifelong PE.

METHODS: A prospective randomized trial was conducted from June 2024 to March 2025 at Beni-Suef University Hospital. Four hundred eligible patients diagnosed with lifelong PE were randomly allocated to one of four active treatment groups (n = 100 per group): (1) citalopram 20 mg/day, (2) silodosin 4 mg/day, (3) dapoxetine 30 mg on-demand (1-3 h before intercourse), or (4) dapoxetine 30 mg daily. The primary outcome was the change in intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) measured by stopwatch. Secondary outcomes included changes in the Premature Ejaculation Profile Questionnaire (PEPQ) scores and the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA with post-hoc tests for continuous variables and chi-square tests for categorical data.

RESULTS: All four treatment groups demonstrated significant within-group improvements in IELT from baseline (p < 0.001 for all). The citalopram group exhibited the greatest mean IELT increase (from 110.4 ± 31.5s to 391.2 ± 45.9s; 260% median gain), outperforming the daily dapoxetine (220%), on-demand dapoxetine (197%), and silodosin (149.5%) groups. Improvements in PEPQ scores mirrored the IELT findings, with citalopram showing a 300% improvement compared to 225%, 166.7%, and 175% in the daily dapoxetine, on-demand dapoxetine, and silodosin groups, respectively. In inter-group comparisons, citalopram was superior to silodosin in all PEPQ domains (p < 0.001) and to both dapoxetine regimens in the domain of interpersonal difficulty (p < 0.01). Adverse event profiles differed: silodosin was associated with a higher incidence of ejaculatory dysfunction (23% retrograde ejaculation), while daily dapoxetine led to more systemic effects (18% dizziness).

CONCLUSION: In this direct head-to-head comparison of active treatments for lifelong PE, daily citalopram (20 mg) demonstrated superior efficacy in prolonging IELT and improving psychosocial outcomes compared to daily or on-demand dapoxetine and silodosin. The findings suggest that citalopram is a highly effective first-line option, while the dose-dependent efficacy of dapoxetine and the distinct side-effect profile of silodosin provide alternative considerations for personalized treatment strategies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: This clinical trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier NCT07113145) on 7 August 2025 after the enrollment of the first participant and is therefore retrospectively registered.”

PMID:41327131 | DOI:10.1186/s12894-025-01973-7