Tag: nevin manimala

Drug Alcohol Rev. 2026 Jan;45(1):e70091. doi: 10.1111/dar.70091.

ABSTRACT

ISSUES: This review aimed to estimate the prevalence of non-medical anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use among same-sex attracted men (SSM).

APPROACH: We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed articles in English, focusing on AAS use among SSM. We excluded grey literature and studies that measure AAS use through some form of analysis (e.g., hair or urine). Ten databases were searched. Titles and abstracts for all articles were screened, followed by full-text assessment and data extraction by multiple authors. The pooled overall and subgroup (gym/community-recruited SSM) lifetime and past 12-month prevalence of AAS use among SSM was obtained using a generalised linear random effects model, which was reported when heterogeneity of estimates was not high. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Prevalence Critical Appraisal Tool.

KEY FINDINGS: Nine studies met inclusion criteria. All studies were conducted in high-income countries. Overall, the pooled lifetime and past 12-month prevalences of AAS use were 13.9% (95% CI 9.2%-20.5%, 6 studies) and 8.1% (95% CI 3.9%-16.2%, 3 studies), respectively. Among the gym subgroup, the pooled lifetime and past 12-month prevalences were 15.2% (95% CI 11.6%-19.6%, I² = 72.8%, 3 studies) in the gym subgroup and 13.3% (95% CI 9.9%-17.7%, I² = 73.1%, 2 studies). The difference in lifetime prevalence between gym and community-recruited SSM was not statistically significant (p = 0.676).

CONCLUSIONS: The non-medical use of AAS among SSM is higher than general global estimates, with some evidence that use may be higher among gym users.

PMID:41392947 | DOI:10.1111/dar.70091

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol. 2026 Jan;31(1):e70139. doi: 10.1111/anec.70139.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Venous puncture failure during cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation is a significant procedural challenge, particularly in fasting patients. Pre-procedural intravenous normal saline (NS) infusion may enhance venous filling and improve procedural outcomes, but evidence in this setting is limited.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study at Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences, including 2852 patients undergoing CIED implantation. Patients were divided into two groups: those who received intravenous NS infusion prior to the procedure (n = 1130) and those who did not (n = 1722). Baseline demographics, procedural details, and outcomes-including venous puncture failure, arterial puncture, site change, and acute kidney injury (AKI)-were compared.

RESULTS: The NS group demonstrated a significantly lower rate of venous puncture failure (4.6% vs. 8.9%, p < 0.001) and arterial puncture failure (1.6% vs. 2.8%, p = 0.03). AKI occurred less frequently in the NS group, although this difference was not statistically significant (1.8% vs. 2.6%, p = 0.09). Predictors of venous puncture failure included absence of NS infusion (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.5-3.0), BMI ≥ 30, and CKD. ROC analysis demonstrated good model discrimination (AUC = 0.81).

CONCLUSION: Pre-procedural NS infusion significantly improves venous puncture success in fasting patients undergoing CIED implantation.

PMID:41392938 | DOI:10.1111/anec.70139

J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng. 2025 Dec 15:1-12. doi: 10.1080/10934529.2025.2602353. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study applies total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) to assess multielement contamination in river sediments from a small urban basin in western Paraná, Brazil. Eleven elements (Al, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb) were quantified using an internal standard, and the concentration data were evaluated using Spearman correlation, principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis. Cu, Zn and especially Pb reached concentrations up to 703, 349 and 344 mg kg^-1, with several values exceeding Brazilian guideline thresholds for soils impacted by anthropogenic activities. Multivariate results indicate that Ti, Cr and Fe form a predominantly lithogenic assemblage related to the basalt-derived parent material, whereas Cu and Zn define a distinct anthropogenic group associated with urban, industrial and wastewater inputs; Mn, Ni, Ca and Pb show mixed origin. The combined use of TXRF and multivariate tools thus provides a robust, resource-efficient framework for sediment monitoring, source differentiation and support of pollution control strategies in contaminated aquatic environments.

PMID:41392928 | DOI:10.1080/10934529.2025.2602353

Recent Adv Inflamm Allergy Drug Discov. 2025;19(3):374-379. doi: 10.2174/0127722708319486241202113259.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: It is well known that acute or chronic kidney injury could be due to free radicals and pro-oxidants. This investigation aimed to monitor tacrolimus or cyclosporine blood trough levels and anti-oxidant capacity after kidney transplantation.

METHODS: There was no intervention in the routine management of transplant recipients. The sample size (n=70) included healthy individuals and kidney-transplanted recipients (n=25 on tacrolimus and n=10 on cyclosporine). The study population was matched for age. The attained information was examined by using the Statistical Package (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA). The significance level was considered as P ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS: In healthy individuals, the mean ± SD for the capacity of antioxidants was 91.9 ± 16.6 (u/ml), which was significantly higher when compared to the mean value of 28.5 ± 22.6 (u/ml) versus 24.7 ± 25.5 (u/ml), kidney recipients with tacrolimus versus cyclosporine (P ≤ 0.04) as immunosuppressive drugs. The mean value of tacrolimus levels was 14.6 ± 6.4 (ng/ml). The correlation between tacrolimus and cyclosporine trough levels and anti-oxidant capacity was 0.19 (P ≤ 0.14). There were no significant differences regarding age in cases and controls (P ≤ 0.42).

CONCLUSION: This study showed that the capacity of anti-oxidants in kidney transplant recipients, those on tacrolimus or cyclosporine, might be lower than in healthy individuals. Subsequent investigations are recommended to delve into the therapeutic consequences of the influence of antioxidant therapies on the clinical outcomes of transplanted recipients.

PMID:41392914 | DOI:10.2174/0127722708319486241202113259

J Reprod Infant Psychol. 2025 Dec 15:1-16. doi: 10.1080/02646838.2025.2599244. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: India’s rising dependence on institutional childbirth through Caesarean sections has intensified both the health-related risks and the financial pressures experienced by women and their households. The escalating costs of Caesarean deliveries have become a significant source of out-of-pocket spending, with the burden falling most heavily on low-income families in Kerala.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify the cognitive, emotional, and healthcare related predictors that influence women’s intentions to opt for elective Caesarean delivery. It seeks to understand the underlying factors that shape this preference, using the theory of planned behavior framework, which emphasizes the role of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control in shaping behavioral intentions.

METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, a structured household survey was conducted among 1,030 married women in Kerala planning future pregnancies. The main outcome measured was their stated intention to opt for a Caesarean delivery in a subsequent birth. Key predictors included unmet health needs, childbirth-related knowledge, depression severity, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Binary logistic regression and propensity score matching (STATA 14.0; p < 0.05) were applied to identify statistically significant associations.

RESULTS: Greater childbirth-related knowledge significantly lowered the likelihood of intending to choose a Caesarean delivery (intermediate knowledge: OR = 0.167; good knowledge: OR = 0.297). Depression severity displayed a nonlinear relationship: moderately severe depression reduced the intention to opt for a C-section (OR = 0.140), whereas severe depression substantially increased it (OR = 4.357). The most influential predictor was unmet healthcare need (OR = 27.876), a result further supported by propensity score matching.

CONCLUSION: Women’s intentions to choose elective Caesarean delivery are strongly influenced by their level of knowledge, psychological well-being, and access to healthcare. Strategies that strengthen health literacy, bolster mental health support, and reduce healthcare barriers may help decrease unnecessary C-sections and enhance maternal health outcomes.

PMID:41392907 | DOI:10.1080/02646838.2025.2599244

Hypertension. 2025 Dec 15. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.125.25949. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a multifactorial disease influenced by sex hormones, with notable sex-specific differences in its development and progression. Extracellular vesicles have emerged as important mediators in hypertension pathophysiology. This study aimed to investigate sex-specific extracellular vesicle-derived microRNA and protein profiles in deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt-induced hypertension.

METHODS: Male and female C57BL/6J mice underwent deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt treatment, with blood pressure monitored via telemetry and cardiac function assessed using echocardiography and invasive hemodynamics. Extracellular vesicles from plasma and cerebrospinal fluid were isolated and analyzed for microRNA (high-throughput RNA sequencing) and protein (LC/ms) content. To determine the contribution of sex hormones, gonadectomy was performed before deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt exposure. Hypothalamic and plasma samples were then used to validate key molecular findings.

RESULTS: Deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt treatment caused more severe hypertension, cardiac dysfunction, and mortality in males compared with females. Gonadectomy reduced hypertension and mortality in males but exacerbated them in females, confirming the protective effect of estrogens and the deleterious influence of androgens. Sex-specific extracellular vesicle-derived microRNA and protein expression profiles were identified, revealing 10 key regulatory microRNAs and highlighting potential regulatory axes such as miR-125b-5p/ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) 2, miR-1a-3p/G6PD, miR-410-3p/AT₁R (angiotensin II type 1 receptor), and miR-378a-5p/IRAP. Gonadectomy altered expression patterns, supporting the hormone-dependent regulation of these microRNAs. Proteomic data showed renin-angiotensin system and diabetic cardiomyopathy pathway activation in hypertensive males. In silico and ex vivo analyses identified 25 microRNA-targeted genes, such as G6pdx and IRAP, reinforcing the role of sex hormone-sensitive microRNA-protein interactions.

CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights potential sex-specific microRNA networks in hypertension and proposes novel molecular targets for validation toward personalized, sex-tailored therapies.

PMID:41392884 | DOI:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.125.25949

Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2025 Dec 15. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.70742. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to describe women with fibroids who were treated with ultrasound-guided high intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) and to evaluate the outcomes at least 6 months after treatment.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study using retrospectively collected data of women treated between November 2015 and December 2018 with USgHIFU at CHBAH. A clinical database that was used at the USgHIFU clinic and medical files were reviewed. The following data were retrieved; demographic information, characteristics of the fibroid (size, number, position, magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] intensity), symptoms before and after the procedure. Variables are described using descriptive statistics and were compared using a McNemar’s chi2, t-test or Wilcoxon sign rank test.

RESULTS: The mean age, median body mass index (BMI) and median parity was 35 years (standard deviation [SD] ±5.43), BMI of 25.3 (interquartile range [IQR]: 22.31-29.05), parity 0 (IQR: 0-1; range: 0-6), respectively. The presenting symptoms were dysmenorrhea (85.41%), infertility (50.92%) and menorrhagia (67.69%). The proportion of dysmenorrhea decreased from 84.10% before treatment to 54.06% after treatment. Menorrhagia was reduced from 66.08% to 41.34%. The median size of fibroids changed from 38.00 to 26.88 cm³. These changes were statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: This is the first USgHIFU study that reports outcomes in a South African population. The treatment has resulted in a noticeable alleviation of symptoms and a measurable reduction in fibroid size and this was statistically significant and clinically relevant.

PMID:41392873 | DOI:10.1002/ijgo.70742

Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg. 2025 Nov;31(11):1088-1094. doi: 10.14744/tjtes.2025.73730.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are prevalent, particularly following athletic incidents. Most clinicians use MRI for diagnostic purposes and therapy assessment, but it can present challenges in terms of cost and accessibility. While ultrasound guidance (USG) is more readily available, it is inadequate for diagnosing ACL injury in isolation. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of sonoelastography, a novel method for assessing tendon injuries, in the context of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.

METHODS: This study involved a cohort of 45 patients who fulfilled the designated inclusion criteria. We selected the patients from a cohort of 105 individuals who underwent anatomical ACL restoration at the orthopedics and traumatology clinic between 2017 and 2020. The clinical examination results and the stability and quality of the ACL in patients who underwent ACL reconstruction were compared with those from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and stress echo laxity (SEL) testing.

RESULTS: The study comprised 40 individuals with a mean age of 30.7+-1.4 years. The patients’ Lysholm scores exhibited consider-able enhancement post-operation, with a mean increase from 2.2+-0.9 pre-operation to 6.1+-1.6 post-operation. The Lachman, anterior drawer, and pivot-shift tests demonstrated improvements relative to the preoperative values. No substantial difference was observed in the single-leg hop test relative to the unaffected side. The SEL findings indicated that 15.6% of the healthy ACL instances were categorized as type 2a, 68.9% as type 2b, and 15.6% as type 3a. In the reconstructed ACL cohort, 17.8% were categorized as type 2a, 62.2% as type 2b, and 20% as type 3a. No substantial statistical difference was detected between the healthy ACL and the reconstructed ACL. No occurrences of type 3b or type 4 were identified in any of the patients.

CONCLUSION: We used SEL to find a torn ACL and check its stability and condition after the ligament was reconstructed with a graft. We utilize SEL, or stress sonoelastography, to monitor graft viability and evaluate the progression of ACL injuries. It is also beneficial in evaluating whether the restored ligament possesses a functional structure akin to that of a normal ligament. Moreover, considering its accessibility, cost-effectiveness, replicability, and patient preference, it may provide a more advantageous alternative to MRI.

PMID:41392848 | DOI:10.14744/tjtes.2025.73730

Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg. 2025 Nov;31(11):1130-1136. doi: 10.14744/tjtes.2025.64744.

ABSTRACT

BACKGRUND: Acute appendicitis is an important clinical condition that usually occurs as a result of obstruction of the appendix lumen due to fecaloma or reactive lymphoid hyperplasia. However, rarely, various nonspecific and unusual pathologies can cause acute appendicitis or mimic this clinical condition. The aim of this study was to present patients who underwent surgery with a preliminary diagnosis of acute appendicitis and to determine the incidence of incidentally diagnosed nonspecific and unusual pathologies found during histopathological examination of the specimens.

METHODS: Data from 2633 patients who underwent appendectomy with a preliminary diagnosis of acute appendicitis in our clinic between January 2014 and June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients who underwent elective appendectomy in addition to other intra-abdominal operations were excluded. Specimens with unusual diagnoses were re-evaluated histopathologically. The data were analyzed statistically.

RESULTS: A total of 2633 patients were included in the study, 1617 (61.4%) male and 1016 (38.6%) female. The mean age was 11.32+-3.66 (range: 1-18) years. All patients underwent the standard appendectomy procedure. After histopathological examination, the specimens were detected to show inflamed appendicitis in 2150 cases (81.65%), perforated appendicitis in 162 cases (6.15%), fibrous obliteration in 104 cases (3.94%) and unusual histopathological findings in 57 cases (2.16%). Of the patients with unusual histopathological findings, 40 were female and 17 were male. Enterobius vermicularis was detected in 41 patients (1.55%), appendicular carcinoid tumor in 10 patients (0.4%) and serous appendicitis in 6 patients (0.2%). Microscopic findings of acute appendicitis were not observed in 35 of these patients.

CONCLUSION: Nonspecific and unusual histopathological findings are more common in childhood appendectomy specimens than in those from adults. Careful histopathological evaluation of appendix specimens will allow early diagnosis and treatment of these rarely seen pathologies.

PMID:41392845 | DOI:10.14744/tjtes.2025.64744

Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg. 2025 Nov;31(11):1102-1108. doi: 10.14744/tjtes.2025.60464.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the effects of the minimally invasive direct lateral approach, performed using standard hip surgery instruments, on operation duration, early postoperative pain, postoperative blood loss, and hospital stay in the treatment of femoral neck fractures with hemiarthroplasty (HA), compared with the standard Hardinge direct lateral approach (referred to in this study as the conventional group, CG).

METHODS: We retrospectively collected clinical data from the medical records of our hospital. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of femoral neck fracture resulting from low-energy trauma and treatment with HA surgery. Patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical approach: the conventional group (CG) and the mini-incision group (MG). Twenty-four patients comprised the MG (case group), while 18 patients were in the CG (control group). The average wait time for surgery was 3.8 days for the MG and 3.6 days for the CG. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate differences in postoperative pain scores, hospital stay, postoperative blood transfusion, operation duration, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels between the groups.

RESULTS: There was no significant difference in age or gender distribution between the case and control groups (p>0.05). The average age of the mini-incision group was 83.8 years, while the average age of the CG was 86.9 years. In both groups, the fracture types were equally distributed between Garden type III and IV. However, the visual analog scale (VAS) scores on the first and third postoperative days were significantly lower in the case group than in the CG (p<0.05). Patients in the MG required significantly fewer postoperative blood transfusions compared to the control group. Hospitalization duration, as well as hemoglobin and hematocrit levels both preoperatively and at discharge, were comparable between the groups.

CONCLUSION: The data from this study indicate that the mini-incision technique is an effective and reliable method for treating femoral neck fractures. Compared with the conventional group, the minimally invasive direct lateral approach for femoral neck fractures significantly reduces early postoperative pain, results in less blood loss, offers better cosmetic outcomes, and maintains a similar length of hospital stay. Clinical studies with larger sample sizes and assessments of long-term postoperative outcomes are necessary.

PMID:41392844 | DOI:10.14744/tjtes.2025.60464