Tag: nevin manimala

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2026 Aug 11;106(29):3020-3025. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112137-20251211-03264.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate the current application status of detection methods and reagents for islet autoantibodies in domestic medical institutions, and to assess their detection proficiency. Methods: From October 15, 2024 to March 15, 2025, a total of 175 questionnaires were distributed to core network member units of the National Clinical Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, member units of the Chinese Diabetes Society and the Chinese Society of Endocrinology, member units of the China Type 1 Diabetes Alliance, and other relevant institutions. After collection, statistical analysis of detection methods for islet autoantibodies and the proportion of domestic reagents. Ten representative institutions were selected, and each was provided with 150 blinded and coded standardized evaluation samples (including 50 new-onset type 1 diabetes samples and 100 healthy donor samples). After each institution completes testing and submits the results, the national center uniformly analyzes the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, as well as the consistency between test results from participating laboratories and those of the”gold standard”[radioligand assay (RLA) or electrochemiluminescence (ECL)]. Spearman correlation analysis was adopted to assess the correlation between the test results of participating laboratories and the gold standard measurements. Results: A total of 127 valid questionnaires were collected from all 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China. The proportion of institutions adopting chemiluminescence immunoassay(CLIA) was 76.6%(95/124), and that of domestic reagents used was 91.7%(121/132). Results from 10 institutions showed the following results: the median sensitivity values for glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibody (GADA), protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 autoantibodies (IA-2A), insulin autoantibody (IAA), zinc transporter 8 autoantibody (ZnT8A) were 76.0%(range:38.0%-90.0%), 36.0%(range:8.0%-66.0%),24.0%(range:2.0%-50.0%), and 46.0%(range:0-54.0%), respectively; the median specificity values were 100.0%(range:98.0%-100.0%),100.0%(range:99.0%-100.0%), 98.0%(range:95.0%-100.0%),99.0%(range:98.0%-100.0%), respectively; the median accuracy values were 92.0%(range:78.0-96.7%), 78.7%(range:69.3-88.7%), 72.7%(range:66.0-83.3%), and 80.7%(range:66.0%-84.7%), respectively. The median concordance rates between test results from institutions and the “gold standard” were 95.7% (range:82.7%-100.0%) for GADA, 88.3% (range:80.7%-96.7%) for IA-2A, 87.3% (range:82.7%-92.0%) for IAA, and 94.4% (range:81.3%-96.0%) for ZnT8A. The median correlation coefficients (ρ) were 0.857 (range:0.780-0.905) for GADA, 0.829 (range:0.507-0.871) for IA-2A, 0.781 (range:0.601-0.811) for IAA, and 0.805 (range:0.448-0.887) for ZnT8A. Conclusions: At the present stage in China, the mainstream detection method for islet autoantibodies is CLIA, and reagents have basically achieved localization. Overall, the detection quality for GADA is relatively satisfactory; however, the detection levels of IA-2A, InT8A, and particularyl IAA, still need further improvement.

PMID:42571968 | DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn112137-20251211-03264

J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2026;43:53. doi: 10.12701/jyms.2026.43.53. Epub 2026 Aug 10.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Middle adulthood (45-64 years) represents a critical window for the primary prevention of cognitive decline and chronic diseases, with physical activity capable of reducing later cognitive decline by 20% to 35%. However, most evidence on mobile health (mHealth) interventions for physical activity originates from Western populations, with limited evaluations of culturally adapted approaches for Asian middle-aged adults, particularly in rapidly aging societies such as South Korea.

METHODS: This 12-week, single-arm, pre-post pilot feasibility study enrolled 304 community-dwelling adults aged 45 to 64 years from Dobong-gu, Seoul, South Korea. The intervention combined a Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 with a custom mobile application incorporating culturally adapted features (mountain-climbing gamification based on famous Korean peaks, adaptive goal setting, and context-aware notifications) developed through systematic focus groups. The primary outcomes were weekly step count and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), while the secondary outcomes included subjective cognitive function assessed using a validated self-report scale, exercise behavior stages, depressive symptoms, and app usability.

RESULTS: Of the 304 participants, 302 (99.3%) completed the intervention. Weekly step count increased by 16.9% from 78,334 to 91,531 (p<0.001) and weekly MVPA increased by 83.3% from 56.0 to 102.6 minutes (p<0.001). The proportion of participants meeting the World Health Organization physical activity guidelines increased from 23.2% to 42.1% (p<0.001). Selective improvements were observed in executive function-related cognitive domains and depressive symptoms, and a dose-response relationship emerged between app engagement and step count gains.

CONCLUSION: This culturally adapted wearable mHealth intervention demonstrated high feasibility and acceptability for promoting physical activity in Korean middle-aged adults, supporting its further evaluation as a scalable strategy for the primary prevention of cognitive decline and chronic diseases.

PMID:42571925 | DOI:10.12701/jyms.2026.43.53

Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2026 Aug;35(8):e70438. doi: 10.1002/pds.70438.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: In 2019, the Innovative Medicines Initiative funded the ConcePTION project to enhance monitoring of medication safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding. This paper describes how the ConcePTION Pregnancy Algorithm (PA) identified pregnancies in 10 diverse European electronic healthcare data sources and estimated their duration.

METHODS: Data sources from six European countries were mapped to the ConcePTION Common Data Model. Any pregnancy-related record was retrieved from various available data banks, including birth register, primary care records, and hospital records, and reconciled into episodes of pregnancy (starting between 01/2015 and 12/2019), each with start date, end date, and type of end. A random forest model was used to estimate missing gestational ages for incomplete records. Parameters were tailored to data sources to address local variations in data availability, collection, and governance. Model performance was evaluated using cross-validated Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE).

RESULTS: The PA identified ~2.7 million pregnancies, in over 2.2 million individuals. Most ended in live births (50%-83%), 1%-15% in elective terminations, and 4%-10% in spontaneous abortions, depending on data sources. Pregnancies with unknown type of end were also retrieved (2%-34%). Gestational age was predicted for 6%-89% of records (RMSE: 17-50 days). The median gestational age at first identified pregnancy record ranged from 47 to 280 days.

CONCLUSIONS: We developed an open-source algorithm to identify and date pregnancies, including early-stage pregnancies with unknown end and/or ongoing at the time of data extraction. This algorithm may facilitate multinational studies, improving generation of timely real-world evidence about use and safety of medicinal products in pregnancy.

PMID:42571911 | DOI:10.1002/pds.70438

Am J Dent. 2026 Aug;39(4):201-205.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate whether the amount of dentifrice (dose) used per brushing affects the abrasion of the hard tooth tissues.

METHODS: Enamel and dentin specimens were subjected to simulated brushing with two commercial dentifrices (Prodent, Smyle dentifrice in tablet form) and positive as well as negative controls at varying amounts of dentifrices (standard dose, half, and double dose). Brushing without dentifrice (with water) functioned as a negative control. Tooth wear was quantified using profilometry, and statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test (α= 0.05).

RESULTS: For enamel, dose variations had minimal impact. However, dentin wear increased significantly with higher doses, particularly for the positive control and Smyle at double dose (P< 0.05). Dilution reduced abrasivity inconsistently across brands.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The amount of dentifrice used for brushing has a significant, dose-dependent effect on dentin abrasion, whereas enamel is relatively unaffected, and brushing without dentifrice does not cause wear. While dentifrice in tablet form provides a manufacturer‑defined standard amount per brushing, this is not the case for dentifrice in paste form. Because the amount of dentifrice used influences dentin wear, it is advisable that manufacturers clearly define the recommended quantity of dentifrice for a single brushing.

PMID:42571899

Am J Dent. 2026 Aug;39(4):193-200.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate in the laboratory the effect of an in-office whitening agent on color change, translucency, and surface roughness of leucite-reinforced CAD-CAM material with different surface finishes exposed to different beverages [cola, tea, fruit juice, coffee, distilled water (Control)].

METHODS: All the IPS Empress CAD-CAM ceramic block specimens were treated with a glaze layer (n=75) and then randomly divided into three groups. The samples (n=25) in Group 1 (Control) were not treated (glaze layer remained). The glaze layer of the other samples (n=50) was abraded by the same researcher. While the samples in Group 2 were treated with Optrafine (Optrafine after glazing) (n=25), those in Group 3 were subjected to surface treatment with Eve polishing kits (Eve kit after glazing) (n=25). The samples were then immersed in five different beverages (cola, coffee, tea, fruit juice and distilled water) (n=5) and clinic-type bleaching was applied. Color measurements were recorded by spectrophotometer and surface roughness (Ra) values were recorded by profilometer. Color change (ΔE₀₀) values were calculated using the CIE2000 formula. The data were statistically analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk test, ANOVA and Bonferroni test (P< 0.05).

RESULTS: Regardless of the surface finishing process and beverage, the mean values of color change (ΔE₀₀) did not differ according to time (P= 0.148). As a result of the ANOVA, surface finishing process, beverage, and time interaction were found to be very significant (P< 0.001). Regardless of the surface finishing process and beverage, it was determined that the mean roughness values differed according to time (P= 0.019).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although bleaching glass ceramic restorations with bleaching agents containing 40% hydrogen peroxide was effective to remove stains, maintaining the glaze surface finish is critical for color stability and surface integrity of CAD-CAM ceramics.

PMID:42571898

Tumori. 2026 Aug 9:3008916261473076. doi: 10.1177/03008916261473076. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The increasing complexity of precision medicine has highlighted the limitations of traditional randomized clinical trials (RCTs) when applied to highly stratified populations and biologically heterogeneous diseases. In this context, master protocols represent an evolution towards integrated experimental infrastructures, capable of simultaneously evaluating multiple interventions or molecular subgroups within a single methodological framework.These designs redefine the role of randomization in complex settings. Conventional RCTs remain indispensable as confirmatory studies, thanks to their methodological rigor and the robustness of the evidence they generate.Future developments will depend on the capacity to ensure statistical rigor, transparent governance, data protection and equitable access to experimental infrastructures and advanced molecular screening. In this evolving landscape, master protocols emerge not as a methodological trend, but as one of the most convincing tools for making evidence generation faster, more flexible, and more sustainable without giving up the scientific standards required by contemporary clinical research.

PMID:42571682 | DOI:10.1177/03008916261473076

Bull Math Biol. 2026 Aug 9;88(9):151. doi: 10.1007/s11538-026-01719-y.

ABSTRACT

Vaccine-related communication can be harnessed to curb infection; yet, in practice, it often undermines vaccine uptake and sustains transmission even when effective vaccines are available. Our goal is to understand how vaccine information dynamics may shape infection spread within a coupled information-infection modeling framework. We present a coupled information-infection modeling framework that links a standard SVIRS infection-spread model with an integrate-and-fire-inspired information-dissemination model. Vaccine-positive and vaccine-critical active groups disseminate competing information that shapes non-active/hesitant individuals’ vaccine attitudes through direct peer influence, threshold-based acceptance, and persistence of engagement, while infection prevalence can feed back by amplifying caution. The evolving vaccine attitudes modulate vaccination uptake, and the model tracks the joint evolution of information dynamics and epidemic trajectories. Our analysis shows that, under the assumed coupling, information dynamics can shift the system among qualitatively distinct infection outcomes. In particular, reducing resistance to vaccine-positive information and sustaining vaccine-positive engagement can move the system toward lower-endemic regimes more reliably than changes focused only on weakening vaccine-critical engagement, for the parameter ranges considered here. These findings highlight the potential importance of information dynamics in epidemic modeling and suggest that sustained vaccine-positive engagement can be an important qualitative mechanism for reducing long-term infection burden.

PMID:42571670 | DOI:10.1007/s11538-026-01719-y

Mycorrhiza. 2026 Aug 9;36(4):57. doi: 10.1007/s00572-026-01301-3.

ABSTRACT

Tropical Africa encompasses several biodiversity hotspots, yet knowledge of ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungi, key organisms for forest ecosystem functioning, remains fragmented. This study provides the first comprehensive synthesis of EcM fungi across the region, aiming to (i) establish a species checklist as a basis for estimating gamma diversity, (ii) analyze spatial turnover across countries, and (iii) assess the functional effects of EcM fungi on tree seedling growth. We conducted a systematic literature search following PRISMA guidelines, retaining 158 publications published between 1927 and 2025. Species occurrence records were extracted from publications and complemented with data from GlobalFungi and GBIF databases. Statistical analyses in R were used to estimate species richness (Chao2, Jackknife 1 and Jackknife 2), analyze spatial turnover (Jaccard dissimilarity, Mantel correlogram, Generalized Dissimilarity Modelling), and assess the overall effect on tree seedling growth (cross-classified random-effects meta-analysis). We recorded 711 EcM fungal species from 59 genera and 20 families. Russula (169 species), Amanita (81), and Lactifluus (71) were the most represented. Estimated richness reached 1,226 species, indicating substantial undocumented diversity. Community composition showed extremely high heterogeneity among countries (95% dissimilarity), and increased turnover over broader geographic distances (r = -0.13, p < 0.05), suggesting dispersal limitation. Meta-analysis revealed that EcM fungi increased tree seedling growth by an average of 6% per month (p < 0.05), with Scleroderma verrucosum showing particularly strong positive effects. These findings indicate that EcM fungi are unevenly distributed across tropical Africa. They refine our understanding of diversity patterns and highlight the need for targeted sampling and integrating native EcM fungi into forest restoration.

PMID:42571669 | DOI:10.1007/s00572-026-01301-3

Bull Math Biol. 2026 Aug 9;88(9):152. doi: 10.1007/s11538-026-01724-1.

ABSTRACT

Ecological interactions shape the dynamics of natural populations in the wild. Density-dependent processes are widespread and may change the respective effects of populations on one another, for instance by shifting interactions from mutualistic to parasitic relationships. Here, we develop a general deterministic model of two interacting populations, assuming density-dependent costs and benefits for the interacting individuals within and between species. This framework aims at generalizing pre-existing population dynamics models involving competition, predation, mutualism and parasitism, by allowing ecological interactions to transition when the respective densities of interacting species change. Through ordinary differential equations and phase portrait analysis, we derive general principles governing these systems, identifying constraints on the organization of equilibria and sufficient conditions for the emergence of certain dynamic behaviors. In particular, we show that equilibrium indices alternate along isoclines under broad geometric assumptions, and that limit cycles can arise when interactions include mutualistic and parasitic phases, while they cannot be generated locally in strictly mutualistic regions where the relevant interaction signs remain fixed. This framework provides a general approach for characterizing the population dynamics of interacting species and highlights the effect of the density dependent transitions in ecological interactions.

PMID:42571666 | DOI:10.1007/s11538-026-01724-1

Chem Biodivers. 2026 Aug;23(8):e71584. doi: 10.1002/cbdv.71584.

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated how geographical origin (El Alamein vs. Red Sea regions in Egypt) and extraction methods saffect the chemical profile and antimicrobial efficacy of Cotula cinerea essential oils. Comparing conventional hydro-distillation (HD) to microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), researchers found that MAE delivered higher oil yields (0.35%-0.37%) than HD (0.31%-0.34%) in significantly less time. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) identified 19 volatile compounds-predominantly oxygenated monoterpenes like pinocarvone, α-thujone, and camphene-with statistical analyses confirming that both location and extraction technique distinctly altered this chemical composition. Furthermore, MAE-extracted oils demonstrated superior antimicrobial activity, particularly those from El Alamein, which reached a notable 25 mm inhibition zone against Aspergillus niger. Ultimately, the results indicate that MAE is a highly efficient and reproducible method for harvesting bioactive C. cinerea oils for potential pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.

PMID:42571628 | DOI:10.1002/cbdv.71584