Tag: nevin manimala

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2025 Mar 27;114(4):54. doi: 10.1007/s00128-025-04033-w.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants widely detected in water and sediment worldwide. Despite growing concerns about their ecological and health risks, their distribution in African aquatic environments remains understudied. This study addresses the knowledge gap in PFAS contamination by analysing the spatial and temporal distribution of 18 PFAS in Apies River water and sediment in Pretoria, South Africa. Surface water and sediment samples were collected upstream and downstream of the Apies River during dry seasons. The analysis of PFAS concentrations was conducted using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis, including paired t-tests, non-metric multidimensional scaling, and hierarchical cluster analysis, were applied to determine spatial and temporal trends. The study revealed significant spatial variations in PFAS contamination, with upstream locations consistently exhibiting higher concentrations than downstream. In surface water samples, L_PFBS, 4:2 FTS, 6:2 FTS, and L_PFHpS showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between sites. Perfluorocarboxylic acids were the dominant PFAS class in surface water (50.47-57.15%), whereas perfluorosulfonic acids were more prevalent in sediments. Upstream sediment had higher L_PFHpS (43.00 ng/g), L_PFDS (38.89 ng/g), and L_PFHxS (23.91 ng/g) than downstream (31.96, 27.84, and 18.02 ng/g, respectively). The findings reveal contamination sources and partitioning between surface water and sediments, aiding in water quality management and pollution mitigation strategies.

PMID:40146386 | DOI:10.1007/s00128-025-04033-w

Clin Exp Nephrol. 2025 Mar 27. doi: 10.1007/s10157-025-02657-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: As a joint project with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), the Research Group on Intractable Renal Diseases is examining the feasibility of utilizing its personal clinical records database. We examine the validity of the initial-treatment data from the personal clinical records of patients with new-onset rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN).

METHODS: Personal clinical records for patients with either RPGN or anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antibody nephritis were used. The data from 454 newly enrolled RPGN patients were compiled for analysis in 2 cohort studies (CS1 for all case analysis and CS2 for selective analysis of new-onset cases).

RESULTS: In CS1, the serotypes of the 362 registered RPGN cases included 200 myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA-positive, 98 anti-GBM-positive, and 9 proteinase-3 (PR3)-ANCA-positive cases, etc. CS2 included 96 of the MPO-ANCA-positive RPGN and 55 of the anti-GBM antibody-positive RPGN cases. For the initial treatment of MPO-ANCA-positive RPGN, the rates of glucocorticoid (GC) and GC pulse treatment were similar between the personal clinical records database and the nationwide questionnaire survey, but the rates of intravenous cyclophosphamide (CY) or rituximab were statistically significant lower in the personal clinical records database. For the initial treatment of anti-GBM antibody-positive RPGN, the rate of plasma exchange was similar between the two databases, but the rates of GC and per os CY tended to be lower in the personal clinical records database, although not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: Clear differences in initial treatment for new-onset RPGN patients were found between a personal clinical records database and another reported database.

PMID:40146365 | DOI:10.1007/s10157-025-02657-0

Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2025 Mar 27;145(1):213. doi: 10.1007/s00402-025-05753-8.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study presents clinical und functional long-term outcomes up to 10 years after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) without concomitant surgical intervention and a far proximal cup positioning.

METHODS: 33 patients (44 hips) underwent primary THA for severe dysplastic hip osteoarthritis with a far proximal cup position. Hips were divided into two groups: Group A (n = 27) with cups positioned at 55-65 mm and Group B (n = 17) with cups positioned > 65 mm from the interteardrop line. Functional outcomes were assessed at 114 ± 15 months postoperatively using LEFS, HHS, HOOS, and Tegner Activity Score. Patient satisfaction and leg length difference were also evaluated. Statistical analysis employed the Mann-Whitney U test (p < 0.05 significance level).

RESULTS: The study found no significant differences in the two groups in terms of functional results, as measured by HOOS (89.1 ± 12.1 vs. 89.0 ± 8.3; p = 0.5145), LEFS (66.7 ± 13.1 vs. 68.7 ± 11.5; p = 0.5544), and HHS (95.1 ± 7.4 vs. 94.9 ± 4.4; p = 0.2707). Both groups showed very good functional results. The Tegner Activity Score significantly improved in both groups from preoperative to final follow-up (A: 2.1 ± 1.4 to 4.0 ± 0.7; p = 0.0002; B: 1.8 ± 1.1 to 3.9 ± 1.1; p = 0.0009). There were no significant differences found when comparing the pre- and postoperative leg length differences (p = 0.5793). No complications including dislocation events, impingement or neurological complications were observed. Furthermore, no patient required revision surgery.

CONCLUSION: Primary total hip arthroplasty with far proximal, non-anatomic socket positions is a safe and effective treatment option with excellent functional long-term results in severe dysplastic hip osteoarthritis.

PMID:40146362 | DOI:10.1007/s00402-025-05753-8

Arch Dermatol Res. 2025 Mar 27;317(1):641. doi: 10.1007/s00403-025-04169-z.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to explore the potential causal relationships between rosacea and Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety disorders, and depression with MR analysis. Genetic data for rosacea and the four neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders were sourced from GWAS databases. After completing stringent quality control procedures, SNPs meeting significance thresholds were selected as IVs. Our primary statistical analysis was conducted by IVW approach. To investigate the robustness of results, heterogeneity tests, sensitivity analyses, and pleiotropy assessments were conducted. Reverse MR analyses were subsequently carried out to further substantiate the causal relationships. The present study discovered a positive correlation between rosacea and an elevated risk of depression (OR = 1.0015, 95% CI = 1.0002-1.0027, P = 0.02). There is no causal evidence to support a connection between rosacea and Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, or anxiety disorders. Reverse MR analyses indicated no causal associations between these four disorders and the risk of rosacea. The findings reveal that individuals with rosacea may have an elevated risk of depression.

PMID:40146360 | DOI:10.1007/s00403-025-04169-z

Lasers Med Sci. 2025 Mar 27;40(1):162. doi: 10.1007/s10103-025-04406-x.

ABSTRACT

Onychomycosis is a highly prevalent disease that causes great morbidity. Topical and oral treatment are not always effective and can be associated with side effects. Energy-based devices have been studied as a safe therapeutic tool. 36 cases received 4 to 8 laser treatments with 1 or 2-week-interval. Patients were reevaluated after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months and the Onychomycosis Severity Index (OSI) was calculated each visite. 69,4% showed an improvement in the OSI, with 12 (33.3%) progressing to cure and 13 (36,1%) showing a decrease in the global score. There was a statistically significant reduction in the median OSI over time, especially at 6-month and 12-month assessments (p = 0.022 and p < 0.001, respectively). Five or more treatments were associated to a better outcome (p = 0.001). On the other hand, there was no interference regarding gender, age, presence of more than 1 affected nail or pathogen isolated in culture. A positive outcome was statistically more relevant in patients who were classified as severe before treatment (p = 0.015). Furthermore, cases that presented dermatophytoma had a more favorable outcome, with 78.5% improvement after 12-months follow-up (p = 0.040). All patients tolerated well the sessions even if pain was present and they were all satisfied with their results. No adverse events were detected. Nd: YAG laser can effectively treat onychomycosis and the outcome is even better in cases that present with dermatophytoma, suggesting that this laser could be used as a form of debridement, increasing cure rates, especially when associated with systemic medication.

PMID:40146349 | DOI:10.1007/s10103-025-04406-x

Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2025 Dec;16(1):2468116. doi: 10.1080/20008066.2025.2468116. Epub 2025 Mar 27.

ABSTRACT

Background: The International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) is a validated measure supporting the diagnosis of ICD-11 post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (cPTSD). It has been translated into 35 languages, also into Polish. Due to the lack of information in the literature about its validation, new Polish version has been re-adapted and validated in the Polish non-clinical and clinical samples of the present study.Objective: The study aimed (1) to adapt the ITQ for use in Polish, (2) to assess the construct validity of ICD-11 PTSD and cPTSD in the Polish ITQ, and (3) to examine the convergent and discriminant validity of the Polish ITQ.Method: The study sample comprised of 452 adults: a non-clinical sample, N = 314, (completed the online version of the questionnaire) and a clinical sample, N = 138, (used a pen-and-paper version). Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Latent Class Analysis (LCA) were performed to assess the structure of the ITQ.Results: The CFA supported a two-factor second-order model as the best fit to the data. All factor loadings were statistically significant and reached a satisfactory level. Cronbach’s alpha for ITQ (α = 0.887), PTSD (α = 0.810) and DSO (α = 0.875) were good. The LPA revealed four classes: (1) a cPTSD class with elevated PTSD and DSO symptoms; (2) a PTSD class with elevated PTSD symptoms but low scores on the DSO; (3) a DSO class with elevated DSO symptoms but low scores on the PTSD; and (4) a low symptom class with low scores on all symptoms.Conclusion: The amended Polish ITQ has good internal consistency and psychometric properties. The model is well fitted to differentiating PTSD/cPTSD diagnoses according to ICD-11 and is a reliable measure of support for the making of a PTSD/cPTSD diagnosis in the conduct of clinical interview.

PMID:40145250 | DOI:10.1080/20008066.2025.2468116

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025 Apr;24(4):e70132. doi: 10.1111/jocd.70132.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hormonal, metabolic, and immunologic factors may cause several skin changes during pregnancy. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to be aware of these expected changes in their skin appearance in order to prevent unwanted effects and to choose the appropriate preventive or treatment measures via trustable sources of information.

OBJECTIVE: This study would highlight the most common normal and abnormal physiological skin changes mothers usually complain about before or after pregnancy. The most commonly used skin care products, their sources of knowledge, information, perception, and experiences on these problems and products were also considered. In addition, patient satisfaction levels and their sources and types of knowledge were also investigated.

METHODS: Across sectional survey was distributed among women who met the inclusion criteria and were citizens in the Hashimate Kingdom of Jordan. This survey was composed of a number of questions used for investigating participant’s socio-demographic characteristics, during and post-pregnancy characteristics and medications used, comparison of skin related complains reported by these women, in addition to their use of skin care products. Women’s knowledge, perception, and experience regarding their use of skin care products were also included.

RESULTS: Of the 337 participants in this study, 6.5% and 6.8% of women were using thyroid medications and antihypertensive agents. An increase of around 3% in pregnancy-related skin changes, such as hyperpigmentation, hair loss, cellulite, and wrinkles, was predominant among women. Despite the prevalence of hyperpigmentation, only 4% and 17% of women used depigmentation and sunblock products. Moreover, women declare that their information about the use of skin care products was mainly via social media or self-experience. A low rate of consultation with dermatologists and the reliance on self-diagnosis or non-professional advice were shown.

CONCLUSION: This study suggests a lack of awareness about effective preventive measures for skin-related disorders commonly occurring during pregnancy, potentially exacerbated by reliance on unverified sources of information, such as social media. Therefore, incorporating education about skin changes into routine prenatal care could empower women to make informed decisions and reduce the stigma associated with these changes.

PMID:40145230 | DOI:10.1111/jocd.70132

Disaster Med Public Health Prep. 2025 Mar 27;19:e71. doi: 10.1017/dmp.2025.78.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Increase bleeding control knowledge and self-efficacy among middle school students and determine efficacy of health care student-led Stop the Bleed (STB) training.

METHODS: An interprofessional group of health care students led STB trainings at 6 Texas middle schools. Trainings included a presentation plus hands-on skills training and were evaluated using pre- and post-training surveys focused on bleeding control knowledge, self-efficacy, and willingness to assist in emergencies. Paired pre- and post-training survey responses were compared using McNemar’s test for knowledge-based questions and paired t tests for Likert scale responses.

RESULTS: Health care students (N = 103) trained 805 middle school students, aged 10-16 years, of which 447 (55.5%) completed pre- and post-surveys. There was significant improvement in all 7 knowledge-based questions from pre- to post-training. There were significant improvements in comfort using tourniquets (median [interquartile range]: 3 [2-4] vs. 4 [3-5]; P < 0.0001), confidence applying direct pressure (3 [2-4] vs. 4 [3-5]; P < 0.0001), and likeliness to assist someone bleeding (4 [3-5] vs. 4 [4-5]; P = 0.0096). Eighty-four percent of students found this training “useful.”

CONCLUSIONS: While previous studies have demonstrated STB training efficacy, this is among the first to provide evidence that health care student-led STB training significantly increased bleeding control knowledge and self-efficacy among middle school students.

PMID:40145198 | DOI:10.1017/dmp.2025.78

Disaster Med Public Health Prep. 2025 Mar 27;19:e73. doi: 10.1017/dmp.2025.76.

ABSTRACT

The devastating effects of heatwaves and the deficiencies in current response strategies disproportionately affect specific individuals and populations,^1,2 underscoring the urgent need for effective solutions. Lessons from past heat events emphasise the importance of preparedness and effective response strategies.² Understanding the dangers of heatwaves involves recognizing not only individual health impacts but also broader environmental and societal consequences.³ Heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, can be fatal but are preventable.².

PMID:40145173 | DOI:10.1017/dmp.2025.76

Med J Malaysia. 2025 Mar;80(2):266-274.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in Malaysia. This paper provides an overview of the stroke burden, hyperacute stroke services, importance, and challenges of stroke registries. It also details findings from the National Stroke Registry (NSR) Malaysia that have advanced knowledge on local patterns, inequalities and temporal trends in stroke presentation, care processes and outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A recent survey that involved all the government (Ministry of Health, MOH) and university hospitals in Malaysia was conducted by a group of neurologists and researchers to provide insights into the hyperacute stroke services in Malaysia from 2012 to 2023.

RESULTS: The results from the survey found that out of 142 MOH hospitals, 29 (20%) hospitals offer only intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) service, and seven (5%) hospitals offer both IVT and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) services. The majority or two-thirds of MOH hospitals still offer office hour services for both IVT and MT. For university hospitals, four (67%) out of six university hospitals provide both IVT and MT services and one (16%) university hospital provides only IVT service. Most university hospitals offer 24-hour services for IVT and MT. The availability of IVT service across MOH hospitals has increased significantly from 2012 to 2023. Thus, there was a substantial increase in the number of IVT cases treated in MOH hospitals. The growth in MT service has been more gradual. Only 22% of the MOH hospitals that provide hyperacute stroke services are equipped with acute stroke unit (ASU). Whereas ASU is available in 80% of the university hospitals that offer hyperacute stroke services. The higher availability of ASU in university hospitals compared to MOH hospitals may be due to better resources, specialised expertise, and advanced facilities in the university hospitals. The National Stroke Registry (NSR) Malaysia was established in 2009 to monitor stroke management practices, patient outcomes and promote quality improvement initiatives.

CONCLUSION: Despite suboptimal adherence on several key performance indicators, the NSR reports recent improvements in thrombolysis rates, reduced mortality, and better functional outcomes. Key recommendations center on promoting greater participation, feedback systems, adequate funding, and governance structures to translate registry findings into national policies and targeted interventions for equitable access to quality stroke care.

PMID:40145171