Tag: nevin manimala

Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2025 May 13;15:1547601. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2025.1547601. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Since the first discovery and reporting of the COVID – 19 pandemic towards the end of 2019, the virus has rapidly propagated across the world. This has led to a remarkable spike in the number of infections. Even now, doubt lingers over whether it has completely disappeared. Moreover, the issue of restoring normal life while ensuring safety continues to be a crucial challenge that public health agencies and people globally are eager to tackle.

METHODS: To thoroughly understand the epidemic’s outbreak and transmission traits and formulate timely prevention measures to fully safeguard human lives and property, this paper presents an agent – based model incorporating individual – level factors.

RESULTS: The model designates Xi’an-where a characteristic disease outbreak occurred-as the research area. The simulation results demonstrate substantial consistency with official records, effectively validating the model’s applicability, adaptability, and generalizability. This validated capacity enables accurate prediction of epidemic trends and comprehensive assessment of disease risks.

DISCUSSION: From late 2021 to early 2022, it employs a one – to – one population simulation approach and simulates epidemic impacts and disease risks. Initially, using building statistical data in the study area, the model reconstructs the local real – world geographical environment. Leveraging data from the seventh national population census, it also replicates the study area’s population characteristics. Next, the model takes into account population mobility, contact tracing, patient treatment, and the diagnostic burden of COVID – 19 – like influenza symptoms. It integrates epidemic transmission impact parameters into the model framework. Eventually, the model’s results are compared with official data for validation, and it’s applied to hypothetical scenarios. It provides scientific theoretical tools to support the implementation of government – driven prevention and control measures. Additionally, it facilitates the adjustment of individual behavioral guidelines, promoting more effective epidemic management.

PMID:40433669 | PMC:PMC12106320 | DOI:10.3389/fcimb.2025.1547601

Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2025 May 13;15:1455735. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2025.1455735. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Probiotics are recognized as beneficial foods, but adverse reactions reported by individuals still exist. This study aims to analysis adverse events (AE) related to probiotics from the FAERS database from the first quarter (Q1) of 2005 to the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2023.

METHODS: The AE data related to probiotic from the 2005 Q1 to the 2023 Q4 were collected. R language was applied to analyze the standardized AE data and three algorithms including the reporting odds ratio (ROR), the proportional reporting ratio (PRR) and the empirical Bayes geometric mean (EBGM) were used to identify AE signals.

RESULTS: In this study, 10,698,312 reports were collected from the FAERS database, of which 74 probiotic-related adverse events were reported. About one third of the reported cases were older than 60 years.36.36% of the reported cases required Hospitalization. A total of 285 preference terms (PTS) and 15 system organ classes (SOC) were identified. In the overall analysis, only 9 PTs and 2 SOCs met significant disproportionality for all three algorithms simultaneously. SOCs included Gastrointestinal disorders (N=97, ROR=5.3, PRR=3.84, EBGM=3.84) and Hepatobiliary disorders (N=9, ROR =3.39, PRR=3.32, EBGM=3.32). PTs included Gastrointestinal pain (ROR=77.76, PRR=76.69, EBGM=76.63), Hypophagia (ROR=24.13, PRR=23.88, EBGM=28.88), and Hepatobiliary disorders (N=97, ROR=5.3, PRR=3.84, EBGM=3.84) and Flatulence (ROR=23.75, PRR=23.28, EBGM=23.27) were the top four highest. Meanwhile, s found new unique adverse signals such as Agitation (ROR=12.48, PRR=12.32, EBGM=12.32) and Anxiety (ROR=4.10, PRR=4.04, EBGM=4.04). Additionally, subgroup analyses were performed to identify AE signals based on gender and age. Metabolism and nutrition disorders (N=6, ROR=3.21, PRR=3.04, EBGM=3.04) and Asthenia (N=3, ROR=5.9, PRR=5.71, EBGM=5.71) were unique AE signal for the male group.

CONCLUSION: Although, the risk of adverse reactions arising from the application of probiotics cannot be ignored. However, However, the results of this FAERS-based study continue to support the overall safety of probiotic preparations. It is necessary to pay attention to the potential influence of factors such as gender and age on the effects and adverse reactions of probiotic application in basic research and clinical application.

PMID:40433664 | PMC:PMC12106448 | DOI:10.3389/fcimb.2025.1455735

Trop Parasitol. 2025 Jan-Jun;15(1):12-20. doi: 10.4103/tp.tp_3_24. Epub 2025 Apr 5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Rhinosporidiosis is a polypoidal disease of mucocutaneous tissues mainly affecting the nose. Rhinosporidium seeberi is believed to be the causative pathogen; however, the exact identity remains obscure. The main symptoms of the disease include the presence of mass, discharge, epistaxis, and nasal obstruction. The disease is characterized by friable polyps mostly pink to purple giving typical strawberry- or raspberry-like appearance. The infection is caused by bathing in ponds having stagnant waters. Disease is more common in people of lower socioeconomic status. There is no effective medical therapy. Surgical excision with base cauterization is the current treatment modality but recurrences are common. Personal hygiene measures may be effective in reducing the incidence of disease.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Analysis of epidemiological factors and clinical presentation of rhinosporidiosis cases from an endemic region and elaboration of essential features of the causative agent of rhinosporidiosis.

RESULTS: In this series, male, rural, and lower-income populations were preponderant. Maximum (45.2%) patients belonged to the age group 18-32 years with a mean age of 23.9 years. Out of 104 operated cases, rhino mass was on the right side in 59, on the left in 39, and bilateral in 6 patients. 74 patients presented with nasal discharge. Epistaxis was present in 63 and shortness of breath in 3 patients. Extension of disease was noticed in 11 patients (10.58%). The passage was blocked in 102 patients. Four patients had dysphagia and nine patients presented with a change in voice. Many patients repeatedly came from a particular area of the old Raipur division (14%-18%). The color of the polyps was light pink or red, raspberry- or strawberry-like. Polyp appeared to be soft and friable with pin head dot-like round bodies (RBs) or sporangia. Mature RBs were seen discharging spores, each one of which is believed to develop into an RB and this cycle continues leading to an increase in the size of the polyp.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an observational cross-sectional study comprising of 104 rhinsosporidiosis patients at a tertiary care hospital over a period of three years between March 2022 and January 2024. Disease was clinically diagnosed and histopathologically confirmed. Patients were examined endoscopically. Spread of mass was confirmed by CT scan. The mass was excised with base cauterization and aseptically collected rhinsosporidiosis biopsies were analysed morpho-histopathologically and microscopically. Epidemiology, demographic factors, and aetiology of disease were analysed. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the important epidemiological characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients from rural areas and those having lower socioeconomic status having exposure to pond bathing were more affected (73%). As there is no effective medical therapy and recurrences are common, personal hygiene may be the most useful measure to prevent the spread of disease. More intensive research studies need to be conducted to know the exact cause of the disease so that effective therapy can be developed for rhinosporidiosis.

PMID:40433648 | PMC:PMC12105778 | DOI:10.4103/tp.tp_3_24

Trop Parasitol. 2025 Jan-Jun;15(1):42-51. doi: 10.4103/tp.tp_47_24. Epub 2025 Apr 5.

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: Nutritional status played significant roles in preventing infection of pathogens, expression of disease severity, and prognosis following treatment. Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease affecting the poorest people and is generally undernourished. In the Indian subcontinent, malnutrition is found to be associated with visceral leishmaniasis (VL) but such reports for post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) are not available.

OBJECTIVES: Assessment of nutritional status among PKDL cases from West Bengal, India.

METHODOLOGY: PKDL cases were searched by door-to-door visits. The nutritional status of the study participants was assessed by analyzing clinical, anthropometrical, and biochemical parameters. The data were analyzed using standard statistical methods with Minitab software.

RESULTS: A total of 42 PKDL (Group A), 38 with VL history (Group B), and 80 healthy control participants (Group C) were included. We noticed a higher rate of ocular and dermal abnormalities due to Vitamin A deficiency among PKDL patients. A lower range of body mass index was recorded among both Group A and B. The mean hemoglobin and Vitamin B12 level of Group A were significantly lower than Group C. The mean white blood cell count was significantly higher in Group A than other two groups.

CONCLUSION: The study revealed that PKDL patients were undernourished as evident by few clinical, anthropometrical, and biochemical parameters. The initiative of providing nutrient-rich food during the treatment of leishmaniasis by the Government of West Bengal is justified. A case-control study is highly suggested to evaluate the impact of such food supply during treatment on disease prognosis.

PMID:40433643 | PMC:PMC12105776 | DOI:10.4103/tp.tp_47_24

Trop Parasitol. 2025 Jan-Jun;15(1):21-24. doi: 10.4103/tp.tp_10_24. Epub 2025 Apr 5.

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: Laboratory diagnosis of strongyloidiasis is most often based on the detection of antibodies against antigens in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

AIMS: The aim of the study was to validate the efficacy of the B-cell epitope peptide antigens of fatty acid and retinal binding protein in using antibodies against Strongyloides stercoralis.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Patient samples were identified by an anonymous code and collected from volunteers at Suranaree University of Technology Hospital, Thailand.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The synthesized peptides and cell lysate of Strongyloides ratti were used as antigens in an in-house ELISA format. A total of 78 serum samples were collected from patients infected with S. stercoralis, other parasites, and healthy persons.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess the diagnostic performance of peptide antigens and analysis of variance was utilized to examine differences in peptide reactivity between groups.

RESULTS: The peptide-1 and cell lysate of S. ratti could clearly differentiate serums among infected and noninfected groups. The peptide-1, peptide-2 of S. stercoralis, and lysate of S. ratti antigen had been measured to reveal sensitivities at about 75.00%, 50.00%, and 75.00% with 75.86%, 86.21%, and 89.66% specificities, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: These results could be useful for routine clinical laboratory diagnostic testing and possibly apply for surveillance investigations in the future.

PMID:40433641 | PMC:PMC12105782 | DOI:10.4103/tp.tp_10_24

Front Neurol. 2025 May 8;16:1575970. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2025.1575970. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Researchers have increasingly focused on the efficacy of acupuncture therapy (AT) combine with rehabilitation therapy (RT) for post-stroke urinary incontinence (PSUI). This study aims to fully assess the efficacy of AT plus related RT in treating PSUI.

METHODS: We systematically searched eight databases from their inception to March 2025 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating AT plus related RT for PSUI. Stata 18.0 was utilized for the meta-analyses.

RESULTS: Thirty-six studies involving 2,796 subjects were included, with AT plus related RT performed in the treatment group. The total effective rate of AT plus RT was significantly higher than that of RT or AT alone [RR = 1.23, 95% CI (1.19, 1.28), p < 0.001]. AT plus RT was also superior to related RT or related AT in improving maximum bladder capacity [WMD = 44.93, 95% CI (32.00, 57.87), p < 0.001]; increasing maximum urinary flow rate [WMD = 2.64, 95% CI (1.27, 4.01), p < 0.001], mean urine output per time [WMD = 44.30, 95% CI (20.31, 68.29), p < 0.001], and pelvic floor muscle strength (including fast [WMD = 2.64, 95% CI (1.04, 4.25), p = 0.001], slow [WMD = 6.09, 95% CI (3.44, 8.75), p < 0.001], and complex muscle fibers [WMD = 5.46, 95% CI (3.60, 7.32), p < 0.001]); and reducing the residual urine volume [WMD = -20.84, 95% CI (-27.53, -14.14), p = 0.001], maximal detrusor pressure [WMD = -10.6, 95% CI (-12.72, -8.55), p = 0.001], frequency of 24-h UI [WMD = -1.40, 95% CI (-1.92, -0.88), p < 0.001], and frequency of 24-h urination [WMD = -3.76, 95% CI (-4.87, -2.66), p < 0.001]. Moreover, AT plus RT significantly reduced scores on the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) [WMD = -2.40, 95% CI (-2.93, -1.83), p < 0.001]. While reductions were also observed in the quality of life (QOL) score [WMD = -0.72, 95% CI (-1.64, 0.20), p = 0.127] and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score [WMD = -3.51, 95% CI (-8.20, 1.18), p = 0.143], these did not reach statistical significance. Additionally, AT plus RT significantly increased the Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (I-QOL) score [WMD = 11.71, 95% CI (8.10, 15.33), p < 0.001] and the Barthel index (BI) score [WMD = 6.92, 95% CI (-0.22, 14.05), p = 0.058].

DISCUSSION: AT plus RT outperforms related RT or related AT in improving clinical efficacy and bladder function in PSUI patients. However, the number of included studies on AT plus RT remains limited, highlighting the need for more high-quality RCTs are needed to validate the findings.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier [CRD42024588520].

PMID:40433622 | PMC:PMC12108803 | DOI:10.3389/fneur.2025.1575970

Front Neurol. 2025 May 13;16:1589742. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2025.1589742. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Blast injuries and subclinical effects are of significant concern among those Service Members (SMs) participating in military operations and tactical trainings. Studies of SMs repeatedly exposed during training find concussion-like symptomology with transient decrements in neurocognitive performance, and alterations in blood biomarkers. How prior mild TBI (mTBI) history interacts with low-level blast (LLB) exposure, however, remains unexplored, which we investigate in the present study, to identify interindividual biomarker changes from LLB exposures influenced by prior history of mTBI.

METHODS: Gene transcript and amyloid-beta (Aβ40 and Aβ42) protein levels were assayed using timeseries blood specimens collected at pre-blast, post-blast (within ~1 h), and follow-up-blast (~16 h) after LLB exposure for 30 SMs (age 30.3 ± 7.5) via RNA-seq and Single Molecule Array (SIMOA). Statistical models with timepoint and mTBI status interaction adjusted for age were used, and p-values adjusted for multiple testing.

RESULTS: We found enrichment of genes involved in blood brain barrier, inflammatory, and immune responses associated with blast exposure, with significant elevated expression of target genes among SMs with mTBI history. Levels of Aβ40 and Aβ42 did not differ pre-blast vs. post/follow-up-blast LLB exposure when comparing SMs by prior mTBI history. Aβ40 and Aβ42 levels were significantly decreased in response to blast at the follow-up (~16 h) LLB exposure timepoint, concomitant with elevated expression of genes involved in amyloid-beta regulation and clearance in SMs with mTBI.

CONCLUSION: Findings show inter-individual differences in biomarker levels following exposures to blast that may be attributed to prior mTBI history.

PMID:40433620 | PMC:PMC12106048 | DOI:10.3389/fneur.2025.1589742

Front Neurol. 2025 May 13;16:1579909. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2025.1579909. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Brain injury is a major public health issue causing cognitive impairment. Key types include traumatic, ischemic, neurological, infectious, metabolic injuries, and stroke. As populations age, brain injury rates rise, making effective cognitive rehabilitation methods increasingly urgent. Virtual reality sports games, blending immersion and training, offer a new rehab solution.

METHODS: Firstly, we registered in the International Prospective Systematic Review Registry (PROSPERO) website. A total of 12 randomized controlled trials were included in this Meta-analysis. Data were analyzed by Meta-analysis using the random effects model in State statistical software. The primary outcome indicator of the study was cognitive function.

RESULTS: This study included 12 RCTs with 540 participants to evaluate the impact of virtual reality exercise on cognitive function in brain-injured patients. The analysis revealed significant cognitive improvement with an SMD of 0.88 (95% CI: 0.59, 1.17), p = 0.019, and I² = 51.9% using a random effects model. Sensitivity analysis confirmed robust findings with no significant single study effects. Symmetric funnel plots indicated no publication bias. These results support virtual reality as an effective cognitive intervention for brain-injured patients.

CONCLUSION: Virtual reality (VR) sports games significantly enhanced cognitive function, coordination, and reaction speed in brain-injured patients, thereby boosting their learning motivation and engagement.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42024581533.

PMID:40433613 | PMC:PMC12108802 | DOI:10.3389/fneur.2025.1579909

BMC Oral Health. 2025 May 27;25(1):813. doi: 10.1186/s12903-025-05866-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the Fractal Dimension (FD) of bone structure in different regions of the mandible and investigate its relationship with serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and other serum analytes in a population of male patients with end-stage renal disease who will undergo kidney transplantation due to chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS: The study included a total of 65 male CKD patients (130 jaws) and 15 healthy male individuals (30 jaws), with FD calculated from four different regions of interest (ROIs) on panoramic radiographs using the box-counting method. The mean age of the patients was 39.02 years (range 18-70). The mean age of individuals in the control group was 37.13 years (range 32-41). Serum biomarkers including serum total calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphorus (P), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and iPTH were recorded, and patients were stratified into subgroups based on iPTH levels. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05.

RESULTS: It was observed that as the severity of CKD increased, the blood P levels rose while eGFR decreased compared to reference values. Despite the decrease in Ca levels with the progression of CKD severity, the mean Ca levels remained within the reference range. Additionally, as iPTH levels increased, the severity of CKD also increased. Statistically significant differences were found between the control group and each subgroup of iPTH for ROI-1, ROI-2, and ROI-3 regions (p < 0.05). When examining FD values in CKD patients, it was found that FD values in ROI-1 (Mean: 1.303), ROI-2(Mean: 1.301), and ROI-3 (Mean: 1.157), regions were lower than those in the control group (ROI 1 Mean:1.494 / ROI 2 Mean:1.448 / ROI 3 Mean:1.248) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, as iPTH levels increased, lower FD values in different regions of the mandible compared to the control group were observed.

CONCLUSION: FD measurements in panoramic radiographs by dental professionals could be used to determine the severity of CKD in addition to the iPTH scale. Furthermore, correlating Ca, P, and PTH levels with bone morphology can contribute to understanding bone metabolism in these patients and to the development of personalized approaches to treatment.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable- retrospective analysis.

PMID:40426186 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-025-05866-x

BMC Nutr. 2025 May 27;11(1):104. doi: 10.1186/s40795-025-01065-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) has been identified as a promising indicator for monitoring diets globally. MDD-W questionnaires have been integrated into, amongst others, the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) and the Gallup World Poll (GWP). Disagreement between estimates of healthy diet metrics for the same country collected in the same year is not desirable.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the measurement agreement of MDD-W estimates collected through DHS and GWP (i.e., precision), to assess the impact of survey characteristics on potential discordance, and to examine the comparative validity of the brief data collection instruments used to estimate MDD-W (i.e., accuracy).

METHODS: Using meta-data from DHS and GWP, we quantified the percentage points (pp) difference in food group consumption and MDD-W prevalence. Furthermore, we qualitatively examined the differences of four survey characteristics: food groups and sentinel foods used in the MDD-W questionnaire, sampling framework, survey timing, and data collection modality. In addition, using data from two non-inferiority studies in Ethiopia – which used either a weighed food record (WFR) or quantitative 24-hour recall (24-HR) as the reference method – we simulated the total magnitude of errors associated with non-quantitative open or list-based 24-HRs, and subsequently compared the pp differences in simulated food group consumption and MDD-W prevalence.

RESULTS: MDD-W estimates from the GWP were significantly higher than those from the DHS in five of nine country-year sets, one difference was non-significant, and three estimates could not be statistically compared due to lack of reporting on margins of error. The absolute difference between MDD-W estimates from the DHS and GWP were >|5| pp for all country-year sets (range: -17 to + 21 pp). There was poor agreement between the DHS and GWP questionnaires regarding the choice and number of sentinel foods used for each food group in the same country (range: 21 to 65%). In general, GWP data collection covered fewer months and questionnaires were enumerated in fewer languages than the DHS, but the number of sentinel foods used per food group was more standardized across countries. Simulations indicated that the magnitude of errors associated with pilot tested non-quantitative open and extensive list-based 24-HRs were marginally lower than sentinel list-based 24-HRs in Ethiopia.

CONCLUSION: For global monitoring, standards must be defined for the preferred data collection instrument and survey platform for each healthy diet metric. This would facilitate cross-country comparability and help mitigate misinterpretations of change over time within countries and the selective reporting of national statistics. A harmonized methodology for developing, pilot testing, and continuously updating sentinel food lists is needed to further improve the accuracy of MDD-W questionnaires.

PMID:40426185 | DOI:10.1186/s40795-025-01065-7