Tag: nevin manimala

Parasitology. 2025 Sep 4:1-6. doi: 10.1017/S0031182025100632. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting approximately 5.4% of the world population. Among its pathogenic factors is infestation by Demodex spp. Standardized skin surface biopsy (SSSB) and direct microscopic examination (DME) are widely used methods to measure Demodex spp density (Dd); however, there is no agreement on the method of choice, nor the prevalence of infestation in rosacea patients. This study compared both techniques in rosacea patients. A prospective study was conducted with 61 patients diagnosed with rosacea by dermatologists from two dermatology centres. Dd was evaluated using SSSB and DME in each patient. Results, median sampling time and reported pain were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. The median Dd was significantly higher with SSSB (11 mites/cm²) compared to DME (1 mites/cm²; P < 0.001). Infestation (>5 mites/cm²) was detected in 64% of patients with SSSB and in 28% with DME (P < 0.001). The median sampling time was longer for SSSB (60 s) than for DME (30 s; P < 0.001). Both methods were associated with mild pain, slightly lower with DME (P = 0.033). SSSB proved more effective than DME for detecting Demodex spp. in rosacea, identifying a greater total number of mites and a higher percentage of infestation. Up to 64% of rosacea patients showed infestation with Demodex spp. using the SSSB technique. The results reinforce the use of SSSB as the standard technique for diagnosing Demodex spp. infestation in rosacea patients.

PMID:40905295 | DOI:10.1017/S0031182025100632

Reprod Domest Anim. 2025 Sep;60(9):e70118. doi: 10.1111/rda.70118.

ABSTRACT

This experiment evaluated the effects of increasing MitoQ concentrations in semen extender on post-thaw quality of Holstein bull sperm, including motility, membrane integrity, antioxidant status and viability. Semen samples were collected, pooled and diluted with extender containing 0 (control), 5, 50, 500 and 1000 nM of MitoQ and frozen through the standard procedure. An increase in MitoQ supplementation positively influenced total and progressive motility, as well as average path velocity; however, these effects were not statistically significant until the concentration reached 50 nM. The highest MitoQ level (1000 nM) showed no difference from the control group. Supplementation of semen extender with 50 and 500 nM of MitoQ significantly increased sperm membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity. Sperm viability improved significantly in concentrations of 5, 50 and 500 nM of MitoQ compared to control, whereas 1000 nM of MitoQ did not show any difference from the control group. Moreover, MitoQ significantly reduced MDA level regardless of its concentration. The concentrations of 50 and 500 nM of MitoQ significantly reduced ROS concentration. It can be concluded that 50 and 500 nM of MitoQ in extender can improve sperm quality parameters in bull semen.

PMID:40905291 | DOI:10.1111/rda.70118

J Asthma. 2025 Sep 4:1-18. doi: 10.1080/02770903.2025.2552748. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pediatric asthma (PA) is the prevailing chronic respiratory ailment in childhood. A better understanding of plasma metabolites is the goal for elucidating the molecular pathological mechanisms of PA and investigating novel therapeutic approaches.

METHODS: Data for PA from Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) was derived from the IEU-OpenGWAS project, featuring a collection of 1400 plasma metabolites. The inverse-variance weighting (IVW) method assessed causal relationships between plasma metabolites and PA, with measures taken to mitigate horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity. To select instrumental variables, a genome-wide significance threshold (p <5 × 10-8) was applied to ensure robust genetic instruments. A Bonferroni correction controlled for multiple testing, with statistical significance defined as p <3.57 × 10-5) (0.05/1400). To further substantiate outcomes, a reverse Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted.

RESULTS: Research found 91 plasma metabolites linked to PA, ten of which showed significant associations. Of note, 20:4n6 levels (IVW: OR (95% CI) = 1.062 (1.030 to 1.094) and G/C16 (IVW: OR (95% CI) = 0.886 (0.832 to 0.943) were identified as pivotal exposure factors for PA.

CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights 10 plasma metabolites that may have significant associations with PA incidence, with 20:4n6 levels and G/C16 potentially serving as valuable biomarkers for the early detection and management of PA.

PMID:40905282 | DOI:10.1080/02770903.2025.2552748

Reprod Domest Anim. 2025 Sep;60(9):e70119. doi: 10.1111/rda.70119.

ABSTRACT

Cryopreservation of ram sperm is a cornerstone in reproductive biotechnology but is often accompanied by oxidative damage that compromises post-thaw sperm quality. Curcumin, a natural polyphenol with potent antioxidant properties, may offer protection against cryo-induced injuries. This study evaluated the effects of curcumin supplementation at two concentrations (10% and 20%) in semen extenders on the functional and molecular characteristics of ram spermatozoa. A total of 14 ejaculates were collected from healthy adult rams and randomly allocated into three groups: control (no curcumin), C1 (10% curcumin) and C2 (20% curcumin). Semen samples were cryopreserved using a Tris-based extender, and post-thaw evaluations included total motility, viability (eosin-nigrosin), morphology (head, midpiece, tail abnormalities), membrane integrity (HOST), chromatin integrity (toluidine blue) and PRDX5 gene expression via qPCR. Curcumin supplementation, particularly in the C2 group, significantly improved total motility and viability (p < 0.01), while reducing head and tail morphological abnormalities and chromatin damage (p < 0.05), compared to the control. No significant difference was observed in PRDX5 gene expression among groups (p > 0.05). These improvements are likely attributed to curcumin’s antioxidant activity, including ROS scavenging and membrane stabilisation. Curcumin supplementation in semen extenders enhances post-thaw sperm quality in rams by improving functional parameters and maintaining chromatin integrity, without modulating PRDX5 gene expression. These findings support the potential of curcumin as a safe and effective cryoprotective additive in ovine artificial insemination and genetic conservation protocols. Further research combining transcriptomic and proteomic analyses (or approaches), along with validation of post-thaw sperm fertility, is needed to clarify curcumin’s effects and its potential in livestock breeding.

PMID:40905281 | DOI:10.1111/rda.70119

Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2025 Sep 4. doi: 10.1002/ksa.70059. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine the long-term risk of osteoarthritis following combined anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and lateral extra-articular procedures (LEAP).

METHODS: A comprehensive search of multiple databases (EMBASE, OVID Medline, PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus) was independently conducted by two reviewers according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Studies reporting on the rates of osteoarthritis following primary, arthroscopic ACLR combined with LEAP and a minimum 5-year follow-up were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome was the prevalence of moderate to severe radiographic arthritis defined as International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) grades C or D, Ahlback grades 1-5, or Kellgren-Lawrence grades 3 or 4. A comparative meta-analysis of ACLR with and without LEAP was also performed.

RESULTS: A total of eight studies were included, comprising 849 patients who underwent ACLR with LEAP, and 164 who underwent isolated ACLR. Cumulative meta-analysis showed a 4% prevalence of moderate to severe osteoarthritis across all studies after ACLR with LEAP. Subgroup analysis demonstrated a prevalence of 3% in the 5-to-10-year follow-up group and 6% in the 10+ year follow-up group. In the three comparative cohort studies, meta-analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in moderate to severe osteoarthritis rates between ACLR with LEAP and ACLR alone.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that long-term prevalence of moderate to severe osteoarthritis following combined ACLR with LEAP is low, and that the addition of LEAP does not increase the incidence compared to ACLR alone. These findings support the use of LEAP in selected patients, without concern for increased long-term joint degeneration.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, meta-analysis and systematic review.

PMID:40905276 | DOI:10.1002/ksa.70059

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2025 Sep 4:1-7. doi: 10.1017/ice.2025.10232. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Species of the Burkholderia (B.) cepacia complex (Bcc) have been implicated in multiple nosocomial outbreaks linked to contaminated water-based products, including liquid soaps, mouthwash, and other non-alcoholic aqueous solutions.

OBJECTIVE: We describe two substantial healthcare-associated outbreaks of Bcc (B. cepacia and B. contaminans) in the United Kingdom and Ireland associated with contaminated products. We highlight the challenges during investigation and mitigation, and provide recommendations.

METHODS: A multidisciplinary, multi-stakeholder investigation across both outbreaks was adopted, involving interviews, trawling questionnaires, and targeted product sampling.

RESULTS: There were 153 and 66 confirmed cases in the B. cepacia and B. contaminans outbreaks, respectively. Cases predominantly comprised hospitalized individuals, and 70% of isolates were recovered from an invasive site. The outbreak strain of B. cepacia was isolated from non-sterile ultrasound gel. An analytical study suggested the B. contaminans cluster was also linked to ultrasound gel; however, a disinfectant wipe product was subsequently identified as the source (0-3 single nucleotide polymorphism differences between case and wipe isolates).

OUTBREAK CONTROL MEASURES: The affected disinfectant wipes were withdrawn. The ultrasound gel was not recalled but health system procurement was suspended, rapid clinical guidance was produced and a National Patient Safety Alert was issued. Inter-organizational partnership was required to mitigate risks.

CONCLUSION: Identifying the source of outbreaks associated with contaminated products can be challenging, requiring complex multi-stakeholder interventions. We recommend a low threshold for investigation of Bcc clusters, adopting a multidisciplinary approach to investigation and mitigation, implementing interventions focusing on practice, and prompt product removal to protect patients.

PMID:40905274 | DOI:10.1017/ice.2025.10232

Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2025 Sep 4. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000005494. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective Cohort.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Spinal fusions are common interventions for degenerative spine disease (DSD), with increasing utilization in obese and metabolic syndrome populations. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (RA), widely adopted for diabetes and weight management, may offer systemic benefits that exert a parallel influence on surgical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate whether preoperative GLP-1 RA use influences 90-day medical and 2- and 10-year surgical complications following thoracic and/or lumbar spinal fusion for DSD, stratified by BMI.

METHODS: Using a national claims database (2010-2023), we identified patients undergoing thoracic and/or lumbar spinal fusion for degenerative conditions. GLP-1 RA users within 6 months pre-op were 4:1 matched to controls by age, sex, and CCI across six BMI strata. Outcomes included 90-day medical and 2- and 10-year surgical complications (e.g., revisions for infection, pseudoarthrosis, and mechanical failure). Chi-square, t-tests, and Cox models were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: Among 291,677 patients, 19,232 GLP-1 RA users were matched to 76,778 controls. Ninety-day medical complications-such as infection, pneumonia, thromboembolism, sepsis, stroke, and UTI-were significantly reduced in GLP-1 RA users across BMI categories ≥25. Two-year surgical complications were lower among GLP-1 RA users in BMI 35-39.9 (1.1% vs. 1.6%, P=0.007 for pseudarthrosis-related revision; 0.8% vs. 1.2%, P=0.038 for mechanical failure) and ≥40 groups. At 10 years, GLP-1 RA use was associated with significantly reduced risk of revision in the 25.0-29.9 (HR 0.79, P=0.046) BMI group. Revision due to pseudarthrosis was reduced in BMI 35.0-39.9 (HR 0.69, P=0.014) and ≥40.0 (HR 0.73, P=0.041), while revision for mechanical failure was lower in BMI 35.0-39.9 (HR 0.65, P=0.013) and ≥40.0 (HR 0.57, P=0.003).

CONCLUSION: GLP-1 RA use was linked with reduced perioperative and long-term surgical complications in patients undergoing thoracic and/or lumbar fusions for degenerative spine disease, particularly in those with BMI ≥25. This risk reduction may be attributed to weight loss and/or the systemic metabolic, inflammatory, and vascular benefits of these medications.

PMID:40905270 | DOI:10.1097/BRS.0000000000005494

Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci. 2025 Sep 4;34:e46. doi: 10.1017/S2045796025100218.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Suicide rates in the United States have been increasing, necessitating an understanding of demographic variations by ethnicity, age, sex and method to inform effective prevention strategies.

OBJECTIVE: To dissect suicide rates in the US population from 2001 to 2023 by age, sex, ethnicity, and method.

METHODS: This retrospective observational study utilized suicide data and population statistics from the CDC’s WISQARS database for the years 2001 (n = 30,418), 2018 (n = 48,132), 2020 (n = 45,721) and 2023 (n = 49,014). Cases were stratified by age, sex, ethnicity, and suicide method to assess trends and demographic differences.

RESULTS: From 2001 to 2023, the overall US suicide rate rose from 10.7 to 14.6 per 100,000, with a temporary decrease in 2019 and 2020 (14.4 and 13.8, respectively). The primary driver of the increase was firearm-related suicides among White males, contributing 25.8% of the rise from 2001 to 2018 and 51.6% from 2020 to 2023. Decline between 2018 and 2020 was mainly due to reductions in firearm and drug-related suicides among White males, but firearm suicides surged again from 2020 to 2023. Additionally, firearm suicides among ethnic minorities, especially Black/African-American males, accounted for 14.0% of the increase during 2020-2023. Drug-related suicides also increased by 8.6% among White females aged 45 and older in the same period.

CONCLUSIONS: Firearm suicides are the leading factor in the changing suicide rates in the United States from 2001 to 2023, alongside rising drug-related suicides among White females. These trends highlight the necessity for targeted prevention efforts that consider demographic-specific factors and method accessibility.

PMID:40905268 | DOI:10.1017/S2045796025100218

Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub. 2025 Aug 20. doi: 10.5507/bp.2025.024. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Vitamin D deficiency is linked to increased cancer risk and death but the effect of vitamin D substitution on the prognosis of patients with malignant disease is debatable. We aimed to investigate the value of serum vitamin D3 levels in patients with a history of malignancy and confirmed lung metastases.

MATERIALS AND METHOD: Serum Vitamin D2 (25-hydroxyergokalciferol) and D3 (25‑hydroxycholekalciferol) levels were measured in 38 patients (28 with and 10 without lung metastases) using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Serum Vitamin D2 + D3 levels of patients with lung metastases were analysed with respect to season, number of metastases, number of malignancies in the history, value according to the ASA (The American Society of Anaesthesiologists) physical status classification, and compared to patients with a history of malignancy without confirmed lung metastasis.

RESULTS: Overall, mean serum vitamin D3 levels were significantly higher in summer (summer vs. winter; 85.06 nmol/L vs. 61.01 nmol/L; P=0.013). There was no significant difference in vitamin D3 levels in summer or winter between patients with or without lung metastases. There was also no significant difference in vitamin D3 levels in the summer months between patients with a history of one malignancy versus those with two or more. In winter however, patients with a history of one malignancy had significantly higher vitamin D3 levels (mean, 75.25 nmol/L) than those with two or more malignancies (mean 44.6 nmol/L) (P=0.027). The differences between vitamin D3 levels in patients with ASA 2 and 3 were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: Vitamin D supplementation may be advisable for patients with a history of multiple malignancies, particularly during the winter months. However, confirmation in a clinical trial with a larger patient cohort is warranted before firm recommendations can be made.

PMID:40905227 | DOI:10.5507/bp.2025.024

Emerg Med Australas. 2025 Oct;37(5):e70134. doi: 10.1111/1742-6723.70134.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the proportion of patients who are admitted to hospital following a ‘did not wait’ (DNW) encounter that are related to the initial episode of care, and to assess the frequency of clinical deterioration in this cohort.

METHODS: A retrospective observational study conducted at Dubbo Health Service in Western New South Wales, Australia, using patient-level data from 29 May to 1 October 2023. Patients with a DNW episode recorded anywhere within the Western NSW Local Health District who subsequently presented to Dubbo Emergency Department (ED) and were admitted within 28 days were included. Clinical records were reviewed to determine if the admission was related to the original DNW episode and whether clinical deterioration had occurred.

RESULTS: Out of 14,247 ED presentations, 1123 (7.4%) were classified as DNW. 315 patients re-presented to Dubbo ED within 28-days of a DNW episode of care and 32 were admitted to hospital. 26 of these admissions were related to the initial DNW episode, and 5 patients with admissions related to the initial DNW episode showed evidence of clinical deterioration (0.4% of the DNW cohort).

CONCLUSIONS: The majority of DNW episodes did not result in clinical deterioration or related hospital admission. These findings support existing evidence that challenges the assumption of high risk among DNW patients and suggest that health systems should re-evaluate performance metrics and resource investments focused on reducing DNW episodes of care.

PMID:40905223 | DOI:10.1111/1742-6723.70134