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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Nystagmus characteristics and their impact on pattern-reversal VEP in patients with albinism

Doc Ophthalmol. 2025 Jun 3. doi: 10.1007/s10633-025-10026-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To describe the association between nystagmus characteristics and pattern-reversal VEP (prVEP) P100 amplitude and peak time in patients with albinism.

METHODS: We analyzed the prVEP (60′ and 15′ checksize) and nystagmus recordings from 47 patients with albinism, 17 with a relatively good visual acuity (≤ 0.3 logMAR), and 30 with a relatively poor visual acuity (≥ 0.6 logMAR). The nystagmus waveforms were classified into two types: dominantly pendular and dominantly jerk. We correlated the nystagmus type, amplitude, frequency, and percentage of low velocity (PLOV) to P100 amplitude and peak time.

RESULTS: For most patients (87%), reproducible responses were observed for the large checks (60′). Among patients with good visual acuity, 94% had reproducible responses of which the majority (82%) of P100 amplitudes fell within the normal reference range. In contrast, although 83% of patients with poor visual acuity showed reproducible responses, only a minority (17%) of P100 amplitudes were within the normal range. The P100 amplitude to 60’check sizes was statistically correlated with PLOV (r = 0.58, p < 0.0001), nystagmus type (r = -0.55, p < 0.0001), and nystagmus amplitude (r = -0.39, p = 0.0092). Patients with relatively good visual acuity and jerk nystagmus exhibited the highest PLOV and the largest P100 amplitude (p < 0.0001). In contrast, there was no significant correlation between P100 peak time and any nystagmus parameters in patients with good or poor visual acuity.93% normal peak time. For the small checks (15′), 76% of patients with good visual acuity, still showed reproducible responses, with the majority (71%) of P100 amplitudes falling within the normal reference range. In contrast, among patients with poor visual acuity, only 3% (1 patient) showed reproducible responses, but with amplitudes below the normal range. For the patients with good visual acuity, PLOV showed a significant correlation with P100 amplitude. P100 peak time was normal for 77% (10/13) of these patients.

CONCLUSIONS: For the prVEP with 60′ checks, nystagmus in patients with albinism predominantly affects the P100 amplitude but not the P100 peak time. For 15′ checks the amplitude is often so small that clear responses are no longer discernable, especially in patients with poor visual acuity.

PMID:40459803 | DOI:10.1007/s10633-025-10026-1

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

The impact of epidermolysis bullosa on quality of life and mental health

Discov Ment Health. 2025 Jun 3;5(1):83. doi: 10.1007/s44192-025-00209-2.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare, chronic, incurable, multisystemic genetic disorder characterized by skin fragility, resulting in blistering from minimal trauma or spontaneously. Despite its physical impact, little is known about the mental health and quality of life (QoL) of those affected. This study aims to investigate these aspects in individuals with EB.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Brazil using a self-administered questionnaire and a convenience sample. Data on clinical-epidemiological characteristics, QoL (DLQI-BRA and QoLEB), and depression indicators (PHQ-9) were collected. Descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test were used, with a significance level of p < 0.05.

RESULTS: The sample consisted of 31 patients, predominantly women (89.3%), with a mean age of 33.32 ± 11.3 years. The recessive dystrophic subtype was most common (54.8%), and depressive symptoms were present in 71%. PHQ-9 results revealed 29% had “mild depression,” 16.1% “moderate depression,” 22.6% “moderately severe depression,” and 3.2% “severe depression.” QoLEB indicated significant impairment in functional domains, while DLQI showed that 45.2% of patients experienced severe QoL impact. The most affected domains were leisure, symptoms and feelings, and daily activities.

CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the substantial impact of EB on mental health, QoL, and personal relationships. These results reinforce the need for early mental health screening and the integration of multidisciplinary care to optimize patient outcomes. Implementing structured psychological support, along with comprehensive dermatological and medical management, could mitigate the burden of the disease and enhance the overall well-being of affected individuals.

PMID:40459790 | DOI:10.1007/s44192-025-00209-2

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Assessing Delhi Region’s air quality using geospatial technologies: a comparative analysis of pollution trends during the COVID period (2018-2023)

Environ Monit Assess. 2025 Jun 3;197(7):722. doi: 10.1007/s10661-025-14177-1.

ABSTRACT

This research examines trends in air quality in Delhi from 2018 to 2023 based on geospatial tools and statistical techniques, such as violin plot analysis, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD), and Kriging interpolation. Air pollution measurements from 38 monitoring stations were evaluated to identify spatial and temporal patterns in the major pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, and ozone). The reports show a massive decline in the levels of PM2.5 from 242.91 µg/m3 in 2018 to 99.51 µg/m3 in 2022, with similar downward trends being reflected for PM10 (214.66 µg/m3 in 2019 to 106.88 µg/m3 in 2023) and NO2 (46.61 µg/m3 in 2018 to 14.99 µg/m3 in 2023). SO2 was comparatively static, with irregular industrial spikes, while the level of ozone varied, touching a high of 160 µg/m3 in some zones. COVID-19 lockdown contributed to a major decrease in levels of pollution, with PM2.5 and PM10 falling by more than 40%. Violin plot analysis showed fluctuations in pollutant concentrations between various regions, where localized changes were evident. One-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests also certified statistically significant variation in pollutant levels between varied phases, underlining the effects of lockdown practices. Spatial interpolation by Kriging resulted in high-resolution concentration maps, giving a complete picture of the distribution of pollution. The findings help deepen knowledge of air quality trends and guide policy interventions to reduce pollution and enhance public health in Delhi.

PMID:40459779 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-025-14177-1

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In vitro molting of Dirofilaria immitis third-stage larvae derived from microfilariae collected from doxycycline-treated dogs

Parasitol Res. 2025 Jun 3;124(6):59. doi: 10.1007/s00436-025-08506-z.

ABSTRACT

Dirofilaria immitis, also known as canine heartworm, contains an endosymbiont, Wolbachia, in all life stages. The antibiotic, doxycycline, has been incorporated into heartworm treatment protocols to eliminate Wolbachia. Previous studies indicate that subsequent infection cannot be established using viable third-stage larvae (L3) developed from doxycycline-treated microfilariae (mf). The stages in which the development of larvae is impacted by doxycycline remain unknown. We examined the impact of doxycycline on the third-stage to fourth-stage larval molt, as it is the first molt of D. immitis after it invades the vertebrate host. Microfilaremic blood was collected weekly from D. immitis-infected dogs with or without doxycycline treatment at 10 mg/kg as recommended by the American Heartworm Society. Blood was collected weekly until the end of doxycycline treatment. The blood was used for L3 production and mf isolation. Wolbachia levels in mf and L3 were measured using real-time quantitative PCR. L3 were cultured in vitro for 9 days to assess whether molting occurred. The Fisher’s exact test and Bonferroni correction were used for statistical analysis. The molting of L3 from the doxycycline-treated groups did not show a significant difference compared to the L3 from the control group at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. The Wolbachia levels in mf and L3 decreased starting from 7 days post-treatment and remained less than five percent of controls throughout the treatment. Doxycycline treatment can eliminate Wolbachia in both mf and subsequently developed L3. The molts of the mf to L3 in the mosquito and the L3 to L4 molt in vitro do not appear to be impacted by the reduction or elimination of Wolbachia.

PMID:40459778 | DOI:10.1007/s00436-025-08506-z

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Farm-level livestock loss and risk factors in Ethiopian livestock production systems

Trop Anim Health Prod. 2025 Jun 3;57(5):240. doi: 10.1007/s11250-025-04479-4.

ABSTRACT

This study aims to explore farm-level losses of cattle, goats and sheep and relevant risk factors in the mixed crop-livestock and pastoral production systems in Ethiopia. Data from 1,528 cattle farms, 868 goat farms and 749 sheep farms, spanning the year 2018/19, were analysed in this study. A farm was defined as a case farm if it lost at least one cattle/goat/sheep in the past 12 months. The 12-month incidence of livestock loss was calculated for each region and production system. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess risk factors contributing to livestock loss in the farms. Forty-five percent of goat farms, 36% of sheep farms and 23% of cattle farms reported losing at least one animal in the past 12 months. Cattle loss in the pastoral system was associated with not using vaccines (Odds Ratio = 7, P < 0.01). In the mixed crop-livestock system cattle loss was associated with the absence of a roofed house (Odds Ratio = 1.40, P < 0.05). Risk factors for goat loss in the mixed crop-livestock system were selling live goats in the past 12 months (Odds Ratio = 1.58, P < 0.05). For sheep loss in the pastoral system, the identified risk factor was having cattle on farm (Odds Ratio = 2.40, P < 0.05). These findings provide valuable insights into the scale and the drivers of livestock loss within the major cattle and small ruminants production systems in Ethiopia.

PMID:40459774 | DOI:10.1007/s11250-025-04479-4

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Comparison of open and laparo-endoscopic repair techniques for patients with bilateral inguinal hernias

Hernia. 2025 Jun 3;29(1):194. doi: 10.1007/s10029-025-03385-w.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: For primary bilateral inguinal hernias, international guidelines favor a laparoscopic posterior mesh repair due to relatively lower risk of acute and chronic pain, faster recovery, and favorable biomechanical properties compared to open anterior approaches (Lichtenstein, plug and patch, etc.). However, studies comparing open mesh-based bilateral inguinal hernia repairs to bilateral laparoscopic and robotic mesh-based approaches are limited. The Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative (ACHQC) registry includes longitudinal data on bilateral inguinal hernia repairs performed via open as well as laparo-endoscopic approaches. We hypothesize that outcomes for bilateral inguinal hernia repair are similar between open and laparo-endoscopic approaches in the ACHQC registry.

METHODS: Data from 2012 to 2024 was obtained from the ACHQC registry for individuals who underwent open and laparo-endoscopic bilateral inguinal hernia repair. After adjusting for confounding covariates, 3:1 propensity score-based matching was performed to compare patient-reported quality of life using EuraHS scores between the open, robotic, and laparoscopic bilateral inguinal hernia repair cohorts. Postoperative complications and hernia recurrences were also compared between these cohorts.

RESULTS: In the matched analysis between laparoscopic, robotic, and open repair groups, 575, 524, and 208 individuals, respectively, were included. In the combined analysis comparing laparo-endoscopic to open repairs, data was included for 627 and 211 individuals, respectively, after propensity score matching with 3-year follow up. The open cohort comprised of approximately 40% open preperitoneal and 60% Lichtenstein repairs. The mean age of individuals in this study was 63 years (± standard deviation of 8 years), with nearly 92% of the patients being male (772/838). EuraHS scores up to the 3-year follow-up timepoint did not show statistical or clinical differences between the study cohorts (p = 0.19). There were also no significant differences between the rates of hernia recurrence at 3-year follow up, 30-day surgical site occurrences, postoperative bleeding, peripheral nerve injury, venous thromboembolic events, and urinary tract infections between the three cohorts.

CONCLUSION: For individuals undergoing primary bilateral inguinal hernia repair, all three approaches- laparoscopic, robotic, and open- are comparable in surgical and patient-reported outcomes in the ACHQC registry. Given the high percentage of open preperitoneal repairs in this study, further investigation is warranted to understand if the “open” cohort outcomes are skewed by the combination of both anterior and posterior open repairs in the same group.

PMID:40459773 | DOI:10.1007/s10029-025-03385-w

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Enhancing particulate matter prediction in Delhi: insights from statistical and machine learning models

Environ Monit Assess. 2025 Jun 3;197(7):723. doi: 10.1007/s10661-025-14121-3.

ABSTRACT

This study advances our approach to modeling particulate matter levels-specifically, PM10 and PM2.5-in Delhi’s dynamic urban environment through an extensive evaluation of traditional time series models (ARIMAX, SARIMAX) and machine learning models (RF, SVM) across air quality monitoring stations utilizing data from the period 2019 to 2023. We established a clear baseline of air quality variations using seasonal decomposition, highlighting critical seasonal peaks in PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations influenced by localized emissions and adverse weather conditions. Subsequent trend analysis revealed increasing PM10 levels at several key monitoring stations, underscoring the impact of urban activities and seasonal variations. In contrast, reduction was observed in PM2.5 levels at most monitoring stations. We utilized a wide range of exogenous variables, including other pollutants and meteorological parameters in our time series models to enhance the accuracy of predicting particulate matter. The SVM model proved to be more accurate in predicting particulate matter levels. It achieved testing RMSE values between 12.48 and 67.22 µg/m3 for PM10 and 8.38 and 48.95 µg/m3 for PM2.5, with testing R-squared values between 0.30 and 0.95 for PM10 and 0.41 and 0.96 for PM2.5. This research pioneers a methodologically enriched approach by systematically incorporating these exogenous factors, enhancing predictive capabilities, and deepening the understanding of complex environmental dynamics specific to urban cities like Delhi. The extensive spatial coverage and robust integration of diverse exogenous factors can significantly enhance environmental modeling, providing actionable insights for policymakers and advancing air quality forecasting in urban megacities.

PMID:40459764 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-025-14121-3

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

The role of netrin-1 in the diagnosis and prognosis of bladder pain syndrome /interstitial cystitis: a comparative study

World J Urol. 2025 Jun 3;43(1):351. doi: 10.1007/s00345-025-05659-5.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of netrin-1 in Bladder Pain Syndrome /Interstitial Cystitis (BPS/IC).

METHODS: A total of 40 BPS/IC patients, 20 patients with overactive bladder (OAB), and 20 healthy controls were included. Baseline data of all participants were collected. Plasma netrin-1 expression levels were measured before treatment and two months after treatment. Statistical significance of differences among the three groups was analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of netrin-1.

RESULTS: The netrin-1 expression level in the BPS/IC group was 777.37 ± 268.02 pg/ml, which was significantly higher than in the other two groups (P < 0.001). No significant difference in netrin-1 expression was observed between the OAB group and the healthy control group. Netrin-1 expression was positively correlated with ICSI, ICPI, and VAS scores. The netrin-1 expression level two months after treatment in the BPS/IC group was 485.06 ± 135.99 pg/ml, which was significantly lower than before treatment CONCLUSION: Netrin-1 can serve as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for BPS/IC. However, the underlying mechanisms of netrin-1 in BPS/IC remain unclear and require further investigation.

PMID:40459754 | DOI:10.1007/s00345-025-05659-5

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Factors influencing computed tomography determined stone-free rates after ureteroscopy in real-world and its impact on retreatment rates at medium-term follow-up

World J Urol. 2025 Jun 3;43(1):350. doi: 10.1007/s00345-025-05721-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Residual stone fragments (RFs) following ureteroscopy increase the risk of reintervention. This study assesses stone-free rates (SFR) using non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT), identifies factors influencing SFR, and investigates the relationship between RFs and retreatment rates (RTR).

METHODS: Patients who underwent ureteroscopy for urolithiasis between September 2017 and March 2024 were included if they had postoperative NCCT. Exclusion criteria include nephrocalcinosis and combined intrarenal surgery. Clinical data, procedural details, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models assessed factors affecting SFR and RTR. A Kaplan Meier curve analyzed time to retreatment after surgery.

KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATION: Among 457 patients (519 renal units) the true SFR was 42.8%, increasing to 58.4% and 78.6% when RFs < 3 mm and < 4 mm were included. Factors negatively associated with SFR included prior urolithiasis treatment, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, positive urine culture, prior stenting, larger stone size, and mid- or lower-pole stone location. Conversely, exclusively ureteric stones and single stones were associated with higher SFR. On multivariate analysis, positive urine culture, prior urolithiasis treatment, increasing stone size, and mid-pole stone location remained significant predictors of reduced SFR. Logistic regression revealed the odds ratio for RTR with RF > 3 mm versus RF < 3 mm was 7.14 (95% CI: 1.96-24.39). Limitations included the risk of missing some stone-related outcomes during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The NCCT determined true SFR was 42.8%, with the size of RFs strongly correlating with the RTR. Patients with residual calculi should be counselled about increased risk of retreatment rate.

PMID:40459750 | DOI:10.1007/s00345-025-05721-2

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Management of recurrent hiatal hernia: a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing mesh versus no mesh reinforcement

Hernia. 2025 Jun 3;29(1):195. doi: 10.1007/s10029-025-03376-x.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent hiatal hernia (HH) is a significant challenge in surgical practice, with recurrence rates reported to range between 25% and 42%. This condition often requires redo surgeries, which are technically demanding and complex. While advancements in surgical techniques have improved outcomes, the optimal strategy for the surgical management of HH recurrence remains unclear. While mesh reinforcement is proposed to reduce recurrence, its use remains controversial due to potential complications. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate whether redo-surgery for HH with cruroplasty using mesh reinforcement was superior to suture cruroplasty in terms of postoperative complications and mortality. To our knowledge, there is no existing review on the topic using a systematic approach.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies evaluating postoperative outcomes of redo surgery for recurrent HH with and without mesh reinforcement were included. A random-based model was used in the meta-analysis to explore potential between-study heterogeneity. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. The risk of bias was assessed with the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies – of Interventions (Version 2) ROBINS-I.

RESULTS: A total of 14 studies with 1011 patients were included. No statistically significant difference was observed in postoperative complications (OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.32-1.04, p = 0.07) or mortality (OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.08-1.98, p = 0.27) between mesh-reinforced and non-reinforced cruroplasty. However, the results suggest a numerical tendency toward lower rates in the mesh group, which did not reach statistical significance. The funnel plots were symmetrical, suggesting no significant publication bias. The overall quality of evidence was moderate, with considerable heterogeneity among studies.

CONCLUSION: This review highlights the sheer lack of robust data on the benefit of mesh placement in HH repair and the significant heterogeneity in the available literature. Although mesh reinforcement shows a potential trend toward better outcomes, it does not achieve statistical significance in reducing complications or mortality. New prospective, RCTs are necessary to better evaluate the benefits and risks of mesh placement.

PMID:40459749 | DOI:10.1007/s10029-025-03376-x