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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Increase in utilization of 5-fluorouracil and imiquimod for actinic keratoses: analysis of US visits from 1995-2019

Arch Dermatol Res. 2025 Apr 5;317(1):676. doi: 10.1007/s00403-025-04186-y.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40186801 | DOI:10.1007/s00403-025-04186-y

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Suitability of different Digital Elevation Models in the estimation of LS factor and soil loss

Environ Monit Assess. 2025 Apr 5;197(5):511. doi: 10.1007/s10661-025-13967-x.

ABSTRACT

Soil erosion is a global concern, and tons of fertile topsoil are lost worldwide. Topography significantly influences soil erosion patterns, shaping how soil loss varies across landscapes. In the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), the topographic factor (LS-factor) quantifies this impact, with Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) serving as key inputs for its derivation. The soil loss over Kerala, India, is estimated using different DEMs. The study also explored two methods for deriving the LS-factor, one based on flow accumulation and another based solely on the slope length. Among the approaches tested for LS factor estimation, the slope-based method proved more effective than one incorporating flow accumulation, as the study is for a region rather than a distinct hydrologic unit. Four freely available Digital Elevation Models, ALOS, ASTER, SRTM, and Cartosat-1 were selected for the study. The study showed that the general pattern of soil erosion can be captured by using any of these DEMs despite differences in individual elevation values. The mean potential soil loss estimated for the year 2020 was 215.91 t/ha/year, 205.70 t/ha/year, 203.99 t/ha/year, and 207.97 t/ha/year when using ASTER, ALOS, SRTM, and Cartosat-1, respectively. The ASTER DEM shows a slightly higher mean value but exhibited the least uncertainty, which was confirmed by bootstrap resampling uncertainty analysis. These findings emphasize the need for careful DEM selection based on terrain characteristics, enhancing the accuracy of soil erosion assessments and informing more effective land management strategies.

PMID:40186796 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-025-13967-x

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Resective epilepsy surgery in pediatric patients with normal MRI: outcomes, challenges, and cost-effectiveness in low-resource settings

Childs Nerv Syst. 2025 Apr 5;41(1):152. doi: 10.1007/s00381-025-06814-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pediatric patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and normal preoperative MRIs present significant challenges in surgical planning. Advanced diagnostic techniques, including PET, SPECT, and intraoperative ECOG, are used to localize seizure foci, but their high cost and limited availability pose challenges, especially in low-resource settings. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of resective epilepsy surgery in these cases and assess the role of advanced imaging in a middle-income country.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 12 pediatric patients (mean age 10.21 years) with normal preoperative 3 T MRI who underwent resective epilepsy surgery or functional hemispherectomy between 2007 and 2021 at two centers in Medellín, Colombia. Demographic, clinical, and surgical data were collected, including the use of advanced imaging techniques (PET, SPECT) and intraoperative ECOG. Seizure outcomes were assessed using the Engel Epilepsy Surgery Outcome Scale.

RESULTS: Of the 12 patients, 10 underwent extratemporal resections, and 2 underwent temporal lobe surgery. Seven patients had advanced imaging, and 5 were evaluated with intraoperative ECOG. At 2-year follow-up, 83.3% of patients who underwent resective surgery achieved favorable outcomes (Engel Classes I and II). Temporal lobe resections had a higher rate of seizure freedom (50%) compared to extratemporal resections (30%), although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.47). Reoperations due to seizure recurrence were required in 30% of extratemporal resections (p = 0.02). Complications were minimal, with three superficial wound infections. Histopathology revealed cortical dysplasia in 33.3% of cases.

CONCLUSION: Epilepsy surgery in pediatric patients with normal MRIs can yield favorable outcomes, especially with temporal lobe resections. Advanced imaging improves localization but remains costly, highlighting the need for cost-effective surgical strategies in resource-limited settings.

PMID:40186785 | DOI:10.1007/s00381-025-06814-4

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The impact of stress and earthquake-related trauma on fibromyalgia: a longitudinal study

Ir J Med Sci. 2025 Apr 5. doi: 10.1007/s11845-025-03955-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and psychological symptoms. While psychological trauma is known to affect FM severity, the impact of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, remains insufficiently studied.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of earthquake-related trauma on fibromyalgia severity and quality of life.

METHODS: A total of 100 patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia per the American College of Rheumatology 2016 criteria were enrolled. All participants experienced the February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey. Disease activity and quality of life were assessed using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) at 1 and 6 months post-earthquake. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) was employed to measure psychological trauma levels. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests and Pearson’s correlation coefficients.

RESULTS: FIQ scores significantly improved from 1 month (74.97 ± 20.15) to 6 months (67.25 ± 16.39) post-earthquake (p < 0.001). A strong positive correlation was found between IES-R and FIQ scores at 1 month (r = 0.636, p < 0.01) and 6 months (r = 0.411, p < 0.01). Subgroups with home or family loss showed more pronounced FIQ scores, while groups exposed to new stress factors did not show significant changes over time (p = 0.307).

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that earthquake-related trauma exacerbates fibromyalgia symptoms, highlighting the necessity of integrating psychological and stress management interventions in the treatment of FM, particularly in disaster-affected regions.

PMID:40186784 | DOI:10.1007/s11845-025-03955-y

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Assessing the genetic estimates of the association between plasma caffeine and cancer risk through Mendelian randomization

Eur J Nutr. 2025 Apr 5;64(4):145. doi: 10.1007/s00394-025-03663-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Observational studies still cannot establish a causal relationship between plasma caffeine levels and cancer risk. This study aimed to investigate the genetic effects of plasma caffeine levels on cancer risk through Mendelian randomization (MR).

METHODS: Plasma caffeine’s genome-wide association study (GWAS) data were derived from a meta-analysis of 9,876 individuals of European ancestry. We selected 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) closely associated with plasma caffeine levels as instrumental variables (IVs). The GWAS data for cancer outcomes were obtained from genotype data in the Finnish Biobank and digital health record data from the Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare, specifically the R10 version released on December 18, 2023. The risk effects of genetic variations were assessed using the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method and the wald ratio method.

RESULTS: After correction, genetically predicted higher levels of plasma caffeine were significantly associated with an increased risk of lung cancer (OR = 1.54, 95%CI: 1.33-1.78, P_FDR < 0.001). In cancer subtype analysis, genetically predicted higher levels of plasma caffeine were significantly associated with the risk of lung squamous cell carcinoma (OR = 1.60, 95%CI: 1.16-2.19, P_FDR = 0.037) and non-small cell lung cancer (OR = 1.51, 95%CI: 1.21-1.89, P_FDR = 0.003) after correction.

CONCLUSION: The current MR results indicate that long-term higher levels of plasma caffeine are associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. These findings merit further exploration to understand whether caffeine intake, supplementation, or cessation could have clinically relevant therapeutic or preventive effects.

PMID:40186783 | DOI:10.1007/s00394-025-03663-4

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N-chlorotaurine does not alter structural tendon properties: a comparative biomechanical study

Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2025 Apr 5;145(1):223. doi: 10.1007/s00402-025-05851-7.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: N-chlorotaurine (NCT) is a well-tolerated antiseptic with broad-spectrum microbicidal activity and could therefore be a promising alternative to vancomycin, the current standard of care for the prevention of postoperative septic arthritis (PSA) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether soaking bovine extensor tendons in N-chlorotaurine (NCT), vancomycin, or 0.9% saline influences structural tendon properties. In this controlled biomechanical study, fifty bovine extensor tendons were randomized into groups and soaked for 10 min in distilled water solutions containing either 1% vancomycin, 1% NCT, 5% NCT, 5% NCT with 0.1% ammonium chloride, or 0.9% saline. Tendons were then mounted in cryo-clamps and subjected to uniaxial tensile testing until failure. Failure mode, ultimate load, ultimate elongation, and stiffness of the linear region from the load-elongation curve were extracted and compared for each graft.

RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were detected across all measured parameters (p > 0.05) and solutions. The mean ultimate load, ultimate elongation, stiffness and elastic modulus were not statistically significantly different between all five tested solutions.

CONCLUSIONS: Both NCT and vancomycin even at high concentrations do not impair structural tendon properties compared to 0.9% saline. NCT appears to be safe for clinical use from a biomechanical perspective.

PMID:40186777 | DOI:10.1007/s00402-025-05851-7

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Influence of photobiomodulation on sensory symptoms, balance, and gait speed in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

Support Care Cancer. 2025 Apr 5;33(4):355. doi: 10.1007/s00520-025-09405-w.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a non-invasive therapy that uses low-level light in the visible and near-infrared spectrum to stimulate cellular processes, promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation without causing thermal damage. PBM has shown potential in alleviating neuropathic pain and improving nerve function by enhancing mitochondrial activity, reducing oxidative stress, and modulating inflammatory pathways. Emerging evidence suggests that PBM may be a promising adjunctive treatment for managing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and improving patients’ quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of photobiomodulation (PBM) on sensory complaints, balance, and gait speed in patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).

METHODS: Prospective clinical study in 47 patients with CIPN in the lower limbs (CAAE: 70504423.9.0000.5382). Patients received PBM (630/850 nm), in the nerve pathway, 2 × /week for 2 weeks. The Neuropathic Pain Questionnaire (DN-4), the Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment Tool (FANPIQ) and its interference items, and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) were used. Balance was assessed by measuring the amplitude, speed, and area of displacement with a force platform on rigid and deformable surfaces. Gait speed (GS) was assessed by the 10-m walk test. Measurements were collected at the beginning and end of treatment and analyzed with descriptive statistics and independent t-test.

RESULTS: Sensory symptoms improved, as evidenced by the results of the DN-4 (p < 0.0001) and the FANPIQ (p = 0.0031), but not in the LEFS (p = 0.2379). There was also a significant improvement in the amplitude of the anteroposterior displacement (APD) and in the amplitude of the mediolateral displacement (MLD) (p = 0.0001 and p < 0.0001), in the velocity of the APD and MLD (p = 0.0431 and p = 0.0016), and in the displacement area (p = 0.0001). On the deformable surface, significant reductions were also observed in the APD and MLD (p = 0.0314 and p = 0.0008), as well as in the velocity of the MLD (p = 0.0091) and displacement area (p = 0.0029). GS showed improvement (p = 0.0315).

CONCLUSION: PBM proved to be a promising low-cost resource for the management of sensory symptoms of CIPN, with positive clinical repercussions on balance and gait speed.

PMID:40186772 | DOI:10.1007/s00520-025-09405-w

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Effects of different remineralization agents on shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets: in vitro study

Clin Oral Investig. 2025 Apr 5;29(4):224. doi: 10.1007/s00784-025-06312-6.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different remineralization agents-Proshield Fluoride Varnish (FV), GC MI Varnish (MI), and ROCS Medical Mineral Gel (ROCS MMG)-on the shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets after application at various time intervals.

METHODS: A total of 120 human premolar teeth were divided into 10 groups (n = 12). The experimental groups received different remineralization agents (FV, MI, ROCS MMG) at time intervals of 1, 15, and 30 days, while the control group received no application. The enamel surfaces were etched, and metal orthodontic brackets were bonded using a light-cured composite adhesive. SBS was measured using a universal testing machine, and adhesive remnant index (ARI) scores were assessed after bracket debonding.

RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed in SBS among all experimental groups and the control group (P = 0.307). SBS values for the FV, MI, and ROCS MMG groups did not differ significantly at the 1, 15, or 30-day intervals. ARI scores also showed no significant differences between groups (P = 0.370).

CONCLUSION: The application of Proshield Fluoride Varnish, GC MI Varnish, and ROCS Medical Mineral Gel at different time intervals did not affect the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets. These remineralization agents can be safely used to prevent white spot lesions and caries before orthodontic treatment at time intervals of 1, 15, and 30 days without compromising bond strength.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Proshield FV, GC MI Varnish, and ROCS MMG safely prevent white spot lesions and caries without affecting bracket bond strength.

PMID:40186767 | DOI:10.1007/s00784-025-06312-6

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The effect of Crohn’s disease on outcomes after total hip arthroplasty

Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2025 Apr 5;145(1):226. doi: 10.1007/s00402-025-05846-4.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Crohn’s disease has been increasing in incidence globally and has several musculoskeletal manifestations including large joint arthritis. This study compares post-operative lengths of stay, healthcare costs, and complication rates between patients with and without Crohn’s Disease (CD) following Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS: Data were collected from the National Inpatient Sample Database Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project between the years 2016-2019. Patients with Crohn’s Disease (CD) and without Crohn’s Disease (NCD) undergoing THA were identified using International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision codes (ICD-10-CM/PCS). Length of stay, total cost, and medical and surgical complications were examined during this time period. SPSS (v 27.0 8, IBM Corp. Armonk, NY) was utilized to compare demographic and analytical statistics between CD and NCD patients undergoing THA.

RESULTS: 1,171 (0.32%) CD and 366,219 (99.68%) NCD patients undergoing THA were included. Compared to NCD patients, CD patients were more likely to be Caucasian (p < 0.05), younger (p < 0.001), non-obese (p = 0.022), non-emergently admitted (p = 0.04), and have longer lengths of stay (p < 0.001). Furthermore, CD patients had higher risks of acute renal failure (OR = 1.43, p = 0.025), acute blood loss anemia (OR = 1.431, p < 0.001), blood transfusion (OR = 1.73, p < 0.001), pneumonia (OR = 2.607, p = 0.005), deep vein thrombosis (OR = 2.81, p = 0.035), periprosthetic infection (OR = 1.57, p = 0.05), and length of stay greater than 2 days (OR = 1.293, p < 0.001). However, CD patients had lower risk of periprosthetic mechanical complication (OR = 0.218, p = 0.011).

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that CD patients undergoing THA are younger, have longer lengths of stay, and have greater rates of both local and systemic complications than NCD patients undergoing THA. As such, this study will aid in surgical candidate selection and proper operative planning for CD patients undergoing THA. Furthermore, future studies investigating the mechanisms behind these differences in post-operative outcomes can help to further advance orthopedic care for CD patients.

PMID:40186766 | DOI:10.1007/s00402-025-05846-4

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Analysis of microRNA expression in patients with uric acid calculi

Urolithiasis. 2025 Apr 5;53(1):66. doi: 10.1007/s00240-025-01736-x.

ABSTRACT

Uric acid calculi (UAC) account for about 10% of cases worldwide, although this varies among countries. The etiology of nephrolithiasis is multifactorial, involving both genetic and environmental factors. Kidney stones occur three times more frequently in individuals with a family history of the condition compared to those without such a history. Genetic factors also contribute to cases of UAC. Genes such as ZNF365, SLC2A9 and SLC22A12 may be associated with the development of uric acid stones. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules, that play a significant role in regulating gene expression. The aim of this study was to characterize the expression profile of miRNAs associated with the SLC2A9, SLC22A12 and ZNF365 genes in patients with uric lithiasis. Twenty-two patients with pure uric stones and 8 controls with no history of lithiasis were included, all of whom consented voluntarily. To analyze the gene expression levels of the microRNAs studied, total RNA was obtained using the miRVana®miRNA kit, following the manufacturer’s guidelines. qPCR analyses were then carried out using specific probes for the selected microRNAs. When comparing clinical characteristics, patients with nephrolithiasis had significant hyperuricemia (p < 0.0001) and more acidic urine (p = 0.0012). Lower urinary citrate excretion was also observed in patients with nephrolithiasis (p = 0.0047). With regard to microRNA expression data, statistically significant under-expression was observed in patients with calculi of microRNAs 143-3p (p = 0.015), 4770 (p = 0.0194), 4750-3p (p = 0.037), 301b-5p (p = < 0.0001) and 9-5p (p = 0.0015). In addition, microRNAs 4770 and 4750-3p were underexpressed in individuals with multiple stones (p = 0.0197, p = 0.0023 respectively). In relation to miR-4750-3p, it was also overexpressed in cases with stones larger than 2 cm (p = 0.0557). With the results of our study, we can conclude that the microRNAs 143-3p, 4770, 4750-3p, 301b-5p and 9-5p may be associated with the development of uric lithiasis. In addition, under-expression of microRNAs 4770 and 4750-3p is associated with the occurrence of multiple stones, while over-expression of miR-4750-3p is related to the formation of stones larger than 2 cm.

PMID:40186757 | DOI:10.1007/s00240-025-01736-x