Tag: nevin manimala

Sci Rep. 2026 May 6. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-51831-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study develops and evaluates a data-leak-safe, monthly forecasting framework for the City of Ekurhuleni, South Africa, covering rainfall and municipal water demand. Here “leak-safe” means that all predictors are built from information that would have been available at the forecast month, with feature engineering, scaling and model validation performed strictly on the training window only. The results are situated within demographic change, addressing the gap in decision-grade monthly forecasts that jointly consider rainfall and municipal demand for planning. Monthly datasets (2011-2025) were cleaned and engineered using past-only features (fixed lags; trailing 3/6/12-month statistics; harmonic month terms; simple trend). Models were trained using MATLAB with 5-fold cross-validation (PCA capped at 95% variance when applied) and benchmarked against persistence, seasonal-naïve, and monthly climatology on a sealed test window. For rainfall, a bagged-trees ensemble achieved strong generalization (test RMSE ≈ 9.13 mm; R² ≈ 0.96), capturing wet-season peaks (Dec-Feb) and dry-season minima (Jun-Aug). For demand, a Matérn-5/2 Gaussian Process delivered positive out-of-sample skill (test RMSE ≈ 17.05 ML/day; R² ≈ 0.76; MAPE ≈ 1.39%), tracking month-to-month movements with mild amplitude damping. A 36-month recursive rollout indicates stable consumption within a narrow band (approximately 995-1025 ML/day) and a seasonal rainfall envelope consistent with historical patterns. Census-based trends, growth in formal residential areas, and increased in-dwelling/yard tap access support a rising, more metered base load with localized variability. The synthesis suggests prioritizing reliability, active leakage control, targeted equity upgrades, and routine re-forecasting over large capacity expansion, while using rainfall-conditioned scenarios and uncertainty bands for procurement and risk planning. The contribution is a reproducible, decision-grade pipeline that pairs rigorous baselines with actionable 36-month forecasts for urban water resources management.

PMID:42092128 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-51831-1

Sci Rep. 2026 May 6. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-50823-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is a key auxin involved in bud activation and early vegetative growth, but its effects in plum propagation may vary with cultivar and concentration. This study evaluated the influence of pre-budding IAA application on sprouting behaviour and selected morphological traits of three plum (Prunus domestica L.) cultivars, namely ‘Fazle Manani’, ‘Santa Rosa’, and ‘Red Beauty’, grafted onto Mariana rootstock. Bud sticks were soaked for 12 h in four IAA concentrations (300, 600, 900, and 1200 mg/L) and a control prior to T-budding. The experiment was arranged in a two-factor factorial randomized complete block design with three replications. Data were collected on days to sprouting, sprouting percentage, plant height, number of branches per budding, number of leaves per budding, budding diameter, and internode length, and were analysed using two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD test at the 5% level. Days to sprouting were significantly affected by IAA concentration, cultivar, and their interaction, demonstrating cultivar-dependent responses to IAA treatment. Earlier sprouting was observed in ‘Fazle Manani’ at 300 mg/L, in ‘Santa Rosa’ at 600 mg/L, and in ‘Red Beauty’ at 600-900 mg/L. Plant height and number of branches per budding were also significantly influenced by the interaction between IAA concentration and cultivar. In contrast, sprouting percentage was affected by cultivar only, whereas number of leaves per budding, budding diameter, and internode length were not significantly affected by IAA concentration, cultivar, or their interaction. These results indicate that pre-budding IAA treatment can improve certain propagation and early growth traits in plum, but the response is both cultivar-specific and trait-dependent. Therefore, the use of IAA in plum propagation should be optimized for individual cultivars rather than applied uniformly.

PMID:42092121 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-50823-5

Evid Based Dent. 2026 May 6. doi: 10.1038/s41432-026-01221-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This umbrella review was planned to synthesize pooled evidence on the efficacy of curcumin in alleviating clinical manifestations of OSMF.

METHODS: The protocol of this review was registered at the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines were extensively followed. Multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Embase, were searched to retrieve relevant literature. Data was extracted using a systematically designed data extraction form. An overlap assessment was performed using the GROOVE Tool. A meta-analysis (using a random effects model) was performed to estimate the overall efficacy of curcumin in managing OSMF conditions. Quality assessment for included studies was also carried out using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR 2) tool.

RESULTS: A total of six SR (n = 1) and SRMAs (n = 5) were included in this review. Overlap assessment found a higher level of overlap (19.39%) of primary studies across included studies. Meta-analysis revealed statistically significant results in improving burning sensation within intervention group [standardized mean difference (SMD = -2.66 (95% CI: -3.56 to -1.77); Z-score = 5.83, p-value < 0.001]. However, for other clinical symptoms, results remained statistically non-significant with variable heterogeneity (0% to 95%). A critical appraisal of the included studies demonstrated a high to moderate level (66.66%) of confidence in the overall evidence presented by the included studies.

CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that curcumin offers limited benefits while managing OSMF conditions, especially in the early stages. Its optimal role may be as an adjunct in multimodal management strategies rather than a standalone therapy.

PMID:42092112 | DOI:10.1038/s41432-026-01221-3

J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2026 May 6. doi: 10.1038/s41370-026-00903-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The physical school environment is a key factor influencing illness-related absences, particularly those caused by infectious diseases transmitted through air and surfaces. Previous studies, often underpowered, have been unable to conclusively quantify the impacts of improved classroom indoor environmental quality (IEQ) on illness-related absences, while also accounting for sociodemographic factors, such as gender and ethnicity.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the impacts of district-wide renovations on student absences due to specific illness types, based on exceptional district data on daily absenteeism and socioeconomic factors, covering 1217 school days and 45,428 students.

METHODS: Between 2016 and 2021, over 45 schools in a district located in a mountain west region of United States underwent comprehensive renovations, which included upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. At the same time, cleaning protocols were developed to reduce surface contamination. Data from pre- and post-renovation monitoring included classroom temperature, relative humidity, and surface biocontamination levels. Carbon dioxide levels were used to estimate ventilation rates, while temperature and relative humidity were used to estimate absolute humidity.

RESULTS: Independent associations between illness-specific absences and school renovations, along with several IEQ parameters, were quantified. Based on the results, over one-third of absences due to respiratory illnesses could be reduced by keeping school facilities up to date and adhering to recommended standards for ventilation. Increased frequency of cleaning could help to reduce absences due to gastrointestinal illnesses. Additional reductions could be achieved by maintaining higher humidity and cooler temperatures in classrooms.

SIGNIFICANCE: These findings highlight the importance of maintaining good IEQ in schools, resulting in fewer absences from infectious diseases.

IMPACT: The study is based on a large-scale natural experiment, incorporating daily student-level absence data specifying illness types and background information for all students in the district, collected over seven school years – the longest follow-up period to date, to our knowledge. These data, combined with state-of-the-art IEQ monitoring conducted before and after the renovation of 45 schools, provides superior statistical power to quantify the impacts of renovations and how IEQ parameters may partially explain their effects on illness-related absences. The findings can inform policies at the school, district, and national levels, guiding renovations, maintenance and operational practices aimed at reducing airborne pathogens and surface contamination, and reducing illness-related absenteeism in schools.

PMID:42092110 | DOI:10.1038/s41370-026-00903-5

Rev Gaucha Enferm. 2026 May 1;47:e20250179. doi: 10.1590/1983-1447.2026.20250179.en. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the association between sociodemographic and economic factors, prenatal care, and health-related risk and protective behaviors among pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study with data collected between November 2023 and March 2024 from 391 pregnant women in a maternity hospital in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data collection was carried out through interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. Poisson regression was used for data analysis.

RESULTS: Fruit consumption was significantly higher among pregnant women aged over 35 years (PR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.03-1.63) and those with higher education (PR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.11-2.50). Vegetable consumption was significantly higher among those with higher education (PR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.00-2.15) and without government assistance (PR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.08-1.77). Physical activity was more prevalent among women with an income greater than three minimum wages (PR: 2.38; 95% CI: 1.36-4.16). Furthermore, women with higher income had a lower prevalence of alcohol consumption (PR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.07-0.85).

CONCLUSION: Unfavorable socioeconomic conditions are associated with risk behaviors among pregnant women with gestational diabetes, particularly alcohol consumption. Conversely, more favorable socioeconomic conditions are associated with health-protective factors, especially fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity.

PMID:42090700 | DOI:10.1590/1983-1447.2026.20250179.en

Dental Press J Orthod. 2026 May 1;31(1):e2625219. doi: 10.1590/2177-6709.31.1.e2625219.oar. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of Class III malocclusion has an important impact on facial and smile esthetics.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the facial profile attractiveness (FPA) of Class III malocclusion patients treated with and without premolar extractions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective sample of 39 Class III malocclusion patients was divided into two groups: Non-extraction group, composed of 20 patients (8 males, 12 females; mean age: 13.7 years); and the Extraction group, comprising 19 patients (9 males, 10 females; mean age: 15.0 years). Both groups were treated with orthodontic fixed appliances. Facial profile silhouettes were created from the pretreatment and posttreatment lateral cephalometric radiographs. The silhouettes were evaluated by 30 laypeople (20 males, 10 females; mean age: 32.2 years) and 29 orthodontists (13 males, 16 females; mean age: 48 years). The evaluators rated FPA using a scale ranging from 1 (least attractive) to 10 (most attractive). Intergroup comparisons of FPA between treatment protocols and evaluators were performed using Mann-Whitney tests. For intragroup comparisons of pre- and posttreatment stages, Wilcoxon tests were performed.

RESULTS: The extraction group was statistically more attractive in the pretreatment stage, when compared to the non-extraction group. Both groups showed no significant differences in the intragroup comparisons of pre- and posttreatment stages. Laypeople rated FPA significantly lower than orthodontists at both stages.

CONCLUSION: Class III malocclusion patients treated with and without extractions presented similar FPA at the posttreatment stage. No differences were observed for the FPA in the intragroup comparisons of pre- and posttreatment stages. Orthodontists were significantly less critical than laypeople.

PMID:42090698 | DOI:10.1590/2177-6709.31.1.e2625219.oar

Cad Saude Publica. 2026 May 1;42:e00128025. doi: 10.1590/0102-311XPT128025. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the lack of access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) at Brazilian rural public elementary schools through a cross-sectional comparative study of the years 2011 and 2023. The distribution, temporal evolution, and determinant factors of this lack were assessed through descriptive analysis and binomial logistic regression, using the School Census of Basic Education as the main database. The results reveal persistent regional inequalities: the North region had the highest odds ratios for the absence of all WASH services in both years analyzed. Schools located on indigenous lands, with less than 10 students or with high dropout rates and low passing rates, had a greater likelihood of health exclusion. On the municipal level, the high proportion of the rural population and low Municipal Human Development Index – Income stood out as determinants. Despite occasional advances in access to water, setbacks in other services indicate stagnation or the worsening of inequalities. The results reveal that, after more than ten years, rural Brazil is still far from meeting the 4.a.1 target of the Sustainable Development Goals, which stipulates universal access to WASH in the school environment. By revealing the main institutional and regional obstacles, this study contributes to the planning of public policies that are more equitable and sensitive to the specificities of rural areas in Brazil.

PMID:42090694 | DOI:10.1590/0102-311XPT128025

Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2026 May 1;72(2):e20251499. doi: 10.1590/1806-9282.20251499. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: In recent years, cesarean section rates have been increasing worldwide. Identifying changes in birth preferences during pregnancy is crucial for reducing cesarean section rates.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the Turkish validity and reliability of the Theory-Based Intention for cesarean section scale, originally developed by Naghibi et al.

METHODS: This methodological study was conducted with 300 pregnant women. Data were collected using the Introductory Information Form and the Theory-Based Intention for cesarean section scale. Analyses were performed using IBM SPSS 25.0 and AMOS 22.0. Language validity was evaluated through translation from the original Persian into Turkish as well as from English into Turkish. Content validity was calculated with nine experts using the Davis technique, and a pilot test was conducted with 30 pregnant women. Construct validity was assessed through Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Internal consistency was examined with Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient and test-retest reliability.

RESULTS: Exploratory Factor Analysis revealed a five-factor structure with 24 items for the scale. According to Confirmatory Factor Analysis, the model fit indices indicated a good model fit. The Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.76. The item-total correlations and test-retest reliability of the scale were found to be high.

CONCLUSION: The Theory-Based Intention for cesarean section scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool for use among Turkish pregnant women.

PMID:42090689 | DOI:10.1590/1806-9282.20251499

Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2026 May 1;72(2):e20251372. doi: 10.1590/1806-9282.20251372. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of capsule invasion on recurrence and survival in breast cancer patients with axillary lymph node metastases.

METHODS: This retrospective study included 135 breast cancer patients with axillary lymph node involvement who underwent surgery between 2009 and 2018. The relationships between capsule invasion and various clinicopathological factors-including demographic parameters, tumor stage, surgical technique, histological type, number of involved lymph nodes, tumor size, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, and Ki-67 index-were analyzed using chi-square, Kaplan-Meier, and Fisher’s exact tests. Additionally, multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the independent prognostic value of capsule invasion for recurrence. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Capsular invasion was observed in 64 of 135 patients (47.4%). Recurrence occurred in six patients with capsule invasion compared to only one patient without capsule invasion. Multivariate Cox regression analysis, controlling for positive lymph node count, tumor size, grade, and receptor status, confirmed that capsule invasion was an independent predictor of recurrence [HR 3.45, 95%CI 1.12-10.65, p=0.032]. No significant association was found between tumor size and capsule invasion (p>0.05). During follow-up, 20 patients died (9 with and 11 without capsule invasion), with no significant difference in 5-year survival or mean survival time between groups (p=0.972, Kaplan-Meier analysis). Grading of capsular invasion showed a significant correlation with recurrence (p=0.026).

DISCUSSION: Although lymph node capsule invasion in breast cancer with axillary lymph node involvement does not significantly impact overall survival, it independently and significantly elevates the risk of recurrence, as demonstrated by multivariate analysis.

PMID:42090685 | DOI:10.1590/1806-9282.20251372

Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2026 May 1;72(2):e20251303. doi: 10.1590/1806-9282.20251303. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The use of social media is rapidly expanding worldwide. In parallel with the development of digital pathology, the use of digital social media platforms in the field of pathology has also increased. However, as with many other groups, pathologists still have some concerns about using social media. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and purposes of social media use among pathologists in their professional and personal lives.

METHODS: This study was conducted using an online survey designed via Google Forms and distributed among pathologists. The questionnaire collected data on participant demographics, the frequency and purposes of social media use, and its application in pathology education and practice.

RESULTS: A total of 124 pathologists participated in the study. All participants reported using social media in their daily lives. Among them, 101 (81.5%) indicated that they also used social media for pathology-related purposes. The platform considered most useful for pathology practice was X (formerly Twitter) (35.6%). Additionally, 98% of participants believed that social media could be beneficial for pathology education.

CONCLUSION: Despite potential sampling bias, our study indicates that among digitally connected pathologists in Turkey, social media, particularly X, is widely adopted as a valuable tool for professional education and practice.

PMID:42090684 | DOI:10.1590/1806-9282.20251303