Tag: nevin manimala

Odontology. 2025 Aug 19. doi: 10.1007/s10266-025-01175-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of rheumatoid arthritis on the inflammatory and resorptive process of periapical lesions in an animal model. Forty Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 10): control (C), apical periodontitis (AP), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and AP + RA. RA was induced by two injections into the caudal subcutaneous tissue containing 50 µL volume of methylated bovine albumin (Met-BSA, 40 mg/mL) and 5% glucose emulsified with CFA/complete Freund’s adjuvant (Mycobacterium sp), and a third intra-articular injection in the right knee with half of the same solution. The right knee width was measured throughout the experimental period. AP was induced by pulp exposure of the right upper and lower first and second molars. After 30 days, the animals were euthanized, and the joints were processed for descriptive analysis using hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. The hemi-mandibles were also removed and the inflammatory infiltrate was analyzed by H&E and immunohistochemistry for IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, and the resorptive process by RANKL, OPG, TRAP, and micro-CT analysis. Statistical tests were applied (p < 0.05). The periapical lesions of the AP + RA group exhibited a more intense inflammatory infiltrate and a more exacerbated immune profile for IL-17 and TNF-α compared to the AP group (p < 0.05). Micro-CT analysis revealed larger lesions in the AP + RA group and greater immunostaining for RANKL and TRAP compared to the AP group (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that RA exacerbates periapical inflammation and bone resorption of AP, increasing the levels of IL-17, TNF-α, TRAP, and RANKL.

PMID:40828445 | DOI:10.1007/s10266-025-01175-5

Neurosurg Rev. 2025 Aug 19;48(1):609. doi: 10.1007/s10143-025-03777-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The etiology of hemifacial spasm (HFS) remains controversial, with both peripheral and central mechanisms proposed. This study investigates the glabella tap reflex in HFS patients, exploring its relationship with facial nucleus hyperexcitability to assess its potential as a clinical marker of central pathophysiological fluctuations.

METHODS: We prospectively enrolled a consecutive cohort of 69 patients with drug-refractory HFS who underwent microvascular decompression (MVD). Preoperative facial motor responses, including glabella tap-induced lateral spread and blink reflex, were assessed and recorded using standardized high-definition video. The latencies of these responses were compared using the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test, and the correlation was assessed using Spearman analysis.

RESULTS: Mechanical tapping of the unilateral glabella elicited simultaneous contraction of the orbicularis oculi and orbicularis oris muscles and simple blink reflex in HFS patients. No statistically significant difference was found between the latencies (p = 0.873). However, Spearman analysis revealed a moderate, statistically significant positive correlation between these two latencies (r = 0.563, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: The characteristics of the glabella tap reflex observed in HFS patients, particularly the variability in its manifestation, appear to reflect fluctuations in facial motor nucleus hyperexcitability. This reflex may serve as a readily accessible clinical marker for these dynamic central excitability states and potentially provide insights into pathways reconciling peripheral and central theories of HFS pathogenesis.

PMID:40828430 | DOI:10.1007/s10143-025-03777-7

Acta Parasitol. 2025 Aug 19;70(5):185. doi: 10.1007/s11686-025-01123-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne infectious disease caused by intracellular protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can influence the progress and outcome of the disease. This study aimed to investigate the expression levels of miR-155, miR-133a, and miR-146b in the serum of acute and chronic forms of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Iran.

METHODS: Samples were collected from 30 clinical cases of CL in Golestan province, who suffered from either acute or chronic forms of the disease, including 15 for each. Leishmania species were identified using PCR (kDNA gene). Total RNA was extracted from serum samples, complementary DNA (cDNA) was synthesized based on the loop technique, and the expression levels of miRNAs (miR-155, miR-133a, and miR-146b) were determined through quantitative real-time PCR analysis.

RESULTS: Conventional PCR on kDNA confirmed the presence of L. major in 30 patients. Healing after one course of treatment and no response to treatment were considered as acute and chronic forms, respectively. Although there were no statistically significant changes, the expression of miR-133a and miR-155 was upregulated in patients with acute CL compared to those with chronic form, while miR-146b was downregulated in patients with acute CL.

CONCLUSIONS: In the current study, the expression changes of miR-155, miR-146b, and miR-133a in acute patients was compared to those patients with chronic CL. Although it was not significant, alterations in the expression levels of miRNAs were observed between acute and chronic forms of CL suggesting different pathogenesis of clinical forms.

PMID:40828401 | DOI:10.1007/s11686-025-01123-x

Abdom Radiol (NY). 2025 Aug 19. doi: 10.1007/s00261-025-05173-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the value of enhanced T1 mapping MR imaging in assessing the depth of myometrial invasion (MI) and in detecting DNA mismatch repair (MMR) status in endometrial cancer (EC) as a non-invasive imaging biomarker.

METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 46 patients with pathologically confirmed EC who underwent pelvic MRI and surgery within two weeks. Each patient underwent multiparametric MRI including T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging (DCE), native T1 mapping and enhanced T1 mapping. Four radiologists (two junior, two senior) independently assessed MI depth of EC using two combinations: T2WI + DWI + DCE and T2WI + DWI + enhanced T1 mapping. Histopathology served as the reference standard. MMR status was determined by immunohistochemistry. Quantitative analysis of native T1, enhanced T1, and Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values was performed, and inter-reader agreement and diagnostic performance were compared. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was performed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS: The diagnostic accuracy of T2WI + DWI + enhanced T1 mapping for assessing MI was higher than that of T2WI + DWI + DCE across all readers, especially among junior radiologists, though differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Inter-reader agreement improved with enhanced T1 mapping, particularly for junior readers (κ = 0.898 vs. κ = 0.538). Native T1 values were significantly higher in the proficient MMR group compared to the deficient MMR group (1655.5 ± 131.9 ms vs. 1549.1 ± 125.9 ms, P = 0.047). ROC analysis yielded an Area under the curve (AUC) of 0.729 for differentiating deficient MMR from proficient MMR, with a sensitivity of 87.0% and specificity of 67.7% at a cutoff of 1524.7 ms.

CONCLUSION: Enhanced T1 mapping, when incorporated into routine MR protocols, offers diagnostic performance comparable to DCE for evaluating myometrial invasion in endometrial cancer and significantly improves inter-reader agreement. Native T1 values show promise as a non-invasive biomarker for detecting MMR status in EC.

PMID:40828400 | DOI:10.1007/s00261-025-05173-7

Mol Ecol Resour. 2025 Aug 19:e70034. doi: 10.1111/1755-0998.70034. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Sex determination is the establishment of an organism’s sex, usually by the inheritance at the fertilisation of certain genes present in sex chromosomes. However, this process is not universal, and indeed, sex might be determined through different factors, including genetic, environmental, behavioural, physiological or the interplay among them. Identification of the sex determination system, sex chromosomes and sex-linked markers is essential for understanding the genetics of sex determination in non-model organisms, which in turn can be used for several applications such as conservation and management. In fish, sex determination is a very flexible process and varies considerably among genera and families; even within individuals, it is subjected to modification by external factors. Here we report the discovery of the sex determination system, sex-linked loci and a putative sex chromosome for the Chilean jack mackerel Trachurus murphyi. Using a genome-wide approach, we identified 20 high-confidence sex-linked loci and found that females are heterogametic while males are homogametic, thus supporting a ZZ/ZW sex-determination system. All high-confidence sex-linked loci appear gametologous loci and are mapped in chromosome 13 of T. trachurus, a closely related species of T. murphyi. The female-to-male depth ratio analysis showed that most loci with a ratio close to 0.5 are located on this chromosome. Additionally, we generated a small GTseq panel that includes 13 loci supporting sex identification in individuals. The sexually identified chromosome has a strong effect on the population genetics analyses revealed by principal component analyses and F_ST statistics. Our results indicate that T. murphyi shows a ZW sex-determination system and that chromosome 13 might be a sex chromosome, likely a Z chromosome. Altogether, our results provide new insights into sex determination systems in T. murphyi and T. trachurus and also constitute a new genomic resource for future applications in the conservation and management of these two economically relevant jack mackerel species.

PMID:40827498 | DOI:10.1111/1755-0998.70034

Health Promot J Austr. 2025 Oct;36(4):e70087. doi: 10.1002/hpja.70087.

ABSTRACT

ISSUE ADDRESSED: This study aimed to evaluate the implementation and impact of the ‘Pick of the Crop’ (POTC) program. POTC is a whole-school nutrition program aimed at increasing opportunities for primary school students in Queensland to learn about and eat more vegetables and fruit (VF).

METHODS: A mixed-methods evaluation was undertaken that included analysis of school action plans, Most Signficant Change interviews and surveys with school champions, as well as focus groups with regional coordinators and programme managers. Data sources explored access to VF within the school and the perceived knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviour of staff and students regarding VF consumption. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were inductively coded and thematically analysed. Sources of data were triangulated to cross-validate key themes identified from interviews, focus groups, surveys and action plans.

RESULTS: A total of 63 schools participated in the POTC evaluation. School staff reported high acceptability of POTC within schools for the first 2 years of its implementation. School staff considered the program feasible with the support of regional coordinators, strong curriculum links, networks with the community, and local leadership. Respondents from schools in their first and second year of implementation reported an increase in student knowledge, skills, and attitudes towards VF consumption. Schools in their second year of implementation reported higher levels of VF consumption among students, with some improvement to school policies, food culture and school networks.

CONCLUSIONS: POTC demonstrates an acceptable and feasible model that has potential for increasing consumption of VF among primary school students. Further research is required to determine long-term program efficacy with a larger sample size.

SO WHAT: School-based nutrition programs should consider incorporating the capacity for flexibility within program structures, whereby schools determine context-specific priorities and the specific activities to be implemented. Recruiting dedicated regional coordinators is also important to ensure support is available to meet the individual needs of schools.

PMID:40827494 | DOI:10.1002/hpja.70087

Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2025 Aug 19. doi: 10.1002/ksa.12810. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Kinematic alignment (KA) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) aims to restore the patient’s native joint anatomy by resurfacing the distal and posterior femoral condyles. However, the trochlear anatomy is often overlooked, raising concerns about potential relative internal rotation of the femoral component. The aim of this study was to define the 𠄈mid-flexion trochlear line’ (MTL) and assess its orientation relative to the posterior condylar line, hypothesising a parallelism between the two.

METHODS: A total of 158 knees (145 patients) undergoing KA TKA were prospectively analysed, after excluding post-traumatic osteoarthritis, cases with trochlear dysplasia, and femoral component flexion >5°. The anterior chamfer cut was conducted with a posterior referencing guide and the most prominent points of the medial and lateral trochlear facets-defining the MTL-were measured with a caliper. The MTL orientation relative to the posterior condylar line was calculated as the difference between the medial and lateral trochlear facets, with the two lines considered parallel for differences of 0 ± 1 mm. Two one-sided tests was implemented to assess equivalence between the two lines within a ±1 mm threshold. Correlations with coronal plane parameters (hip-knee-ankle angle [HKA], medial proximal tibial angle [MPTA] and lateral distal femoral angle [LDFA]) were assessed with Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS: The mean difference between the medial and lateral trochlear facets was 0.1 ± 1.40 mm, with 81.7% of cases falling within the 0 ± 1 mm range, indicating parallelism between the posterior condylar line and the mid-flexion trochlear line (p = 0.709). No significant correlations were observed between MTL orientation and HKA, MPTA or LDFA.

CONCLUSIONS: Referencing the posterior condylar line accurately restores MTL orientation in the vast majority of patients, irrespective of coronal plane parameters. These findings support the biomechanical rationale of kinematic alignment, dispelling concerns about femoral component internal rotation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, prospective observational study.

PMID:40827491 | DOI:10.1002/ksa.12810

Urol Res Pract. 2025 Jul 29;51(4):146-152. doi: 10.5152/tud.2025.25001.

ABSTRACT

Objective: Dysfunctional voiding (DV) is an often-underdiagnosed condition primarily affecting younger patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Characterized by a lack of coordination between the detrusor muscle and the external urethral sphincter, DV commonly manifests as urinary frequency, urgency, and incontinence. Despite its significant impact, urodynamic studies (UDS), the gold standard for diagnosis, are frequently inaccessible in remote or under-resourced areas. This study investigates non-invasive clinical parameters to facilitate provisional DV diagnosis. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 813 patients who underwent UDS for LUTS over 3 years (2021-2024) was conducted. Excluding those with neurological disorders or urethral strictures, 516 patients were evaluated, identifying 67 with DV. Parameters were examined across 2 age groups: under 50 years and 50 years or older, focusing on symptomatology, uroflowmetry, and associated conditions. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression, were employed to identify significant predictors. Results: Of the 67 patients diagnosed with DV, 64 were under 50 years of age. Statistically significant associations were found between DV and increased diurnal frequency, pre-existing heightened anxiety, obstructive uroflowmetry patterns, constipation, and hypertonic anal sphincter. The proposed non-invasive criteria-SHADE (Staccato/obstructive voiding pattern, Heightened anxiety, Age <50, Diurnal frequency, Exclusion of stricture or neurological disease)-demonstrated over 95% positive predictive value for DV. Conclusion: Early and accurate diagnosis of DV can be enhanced through non invasive clinical criteria, particularly in settings where urodynamic testing is limited. Implementing the SHADE criteria can facilitate prompt, targeted management of DV, improving patient outcomes in resource-constrained environments.

PMID:40827436 | DOI:10.5152/tud.2025.25001

Physiother Theory Pract. 2025 Aug 19:1-10. doi: 10.1080/09593985.2025.2549455. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Assessing the state of functioning and disability post-stroke is essential for managing treatment and allocating appropriate resources.

PURPOSE: To explore the minimal important change (MIC) of the World Health Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) in individuals with chronic stroke using different statistical approaches.

METHODS: WHODAS 2.0 was administered at baseline and after six months. MIC was estimated through distribution-based methods, anchor-based approaches, and ROC curve analysis using the Youden’s index. A logistic regression model was also applied to estimate a predictive MIC (MIC_pred). Positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) were estimated for three MIC thresholds.

RESULTS: Fifty participants with chronic stroke were included (48% male; mean age approximately 60 years). Most (78%) had mild disability, and 80% showed functional improvement after six months. MIC estimates varied: 1.6 points (standard error of measurement), 5.28 points (0.33 × SD), and 8 points (0.5 × SD). ROC analysis yielded an AUC of 0.67, Youden’s index of 0.35, sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 60%, and MIC ≤ 1.89 points. MIC_pred was 10.3 points (Nagelkerke R² = 0.078). The threshold of 5.28 points showed the best PPV (90.67%) and modest NPV (26.32%).

CONCLUSION: MIC values for WHODAS 2.0 in chronic stroke differ by method. The 5.28-point threshold offered the most balanced predictive value but should be interpreted cautiously. The findings support using multiple methods and emphasize the need for patient-centered assessment and methodological consistency in MIC determination.

PMID:40827421 | DOI:10.1080/09593985.2025.2549455

J Esthet Restor Dent. 2025 Aug 19. doi: 10.1111/jerd.70021. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of prolonged solvent evaporation on the clinical performance of universal adhesive systems in non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 148 NCCLs were randomly placed in 28 subjects according to: SUP5 (Scotchbond Universal Plus adhesive [ethanol-water] evaporated for 5 s); SUP25 (SUP evaporated for 25 s); GBU5 (Gluma Bond Universal adhesive [acetone-water] evaporated for 5 s); GBU25 (GBU evaporated for 25 s). Restorations were evaluated at baseline and 6 months, using the updated FDI criteria. Appropriate statistical analyses were performed (α = 0.05).

RESULTS: The recall rate was 100% at 6 months. The retention rates were 83.4% for SUP5, 97.3% for SUP25, 100% for GBU5, and 97.3% for GBU25. A significantly lower retention rate was observed for SUP5 compared to GBU5 (p = 0.04). No significant differences among the groups were observed when secondary parameters were evaluated (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged solvent evaporation time, whether for ethanol-water or acetone-water based universal adhesives, did not improve their clinical performance in NCCLs after 6 months. However, the lowest retention rate was observed in the ethanol-water adhesive when evaporated for only 5 s.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Extended solvent evaporation time for universal adhesives does not significantly affect their short-term clinical performance.

PMID:40827419 | DOI:10.1111/jerd.70021