Tag: pubmed

Biomed Res Int. 2025 Sep 2;2025:2828949. doi: 10.1155/bmri/2828949. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Retinopathy is a vascular endothelial injury disease that can occur in individuals without diabetes. The prevalence rates of nondiabetic retinopathy (NDR) vary from 6% to 13.6% among individuals. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is common worldwide, and studies indicate that the overall prevalence rate of VDD in US adults is 41.6%. Ample evidence indicates an inconsistent relationship between VDD and diabetic retinopathy, but the association between VDD and NDR remains limited. Design: We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional study. Settings: The study was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2008. Participants: A total of 4076 adults (52.71% female) with a mean age of 55.79 ± 11.72 years were included. Primary and Secondary Outcomes: The primary outcome was the association between vitamin D and NDR, while there was no secondary outcome. Results: Retinopathy was detected in 309 nondiabetic subjects (7.6%), while VDD was detected in 19.36% of the NDR participants. In the univariate analysis, significant associations were found between systolic blood pressure (odds ratio [OR]: 1.02; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00, 1.04; p = 0.0227), physical activity group (OR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.51, 0.78; p = 0.0001), and retinopathy in the nondiabetic participants. Logistic regression analysis revealed that after adjusting for other confounders, no statistically significant association between vitamin D concentration and NDR severity was found (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.97; 1.06; p = 0.9024). Similarly, smooth curve fitting could not find any trend between the two. Moreover, these results were consistent with the results of taking vitamin D (quartile) as a categorical variable (p for trend was 0.8401). Conclusion: In the present study, serum vitamin D concentrations within the observed range were not significantly associated with NDR risk in the nondiabetic US population, indicating that vitamin D status is unlikely to be a primary determinant of subclinical microvascular pathology in nondiabetic adults.

PMID:41031262 | PMC:PMC12407306 | DOI:10.1155/bmri/2828949

Biomed Res Int. 2025 Sep 10;2025:8826168. doi: 10.1155/bmri/8826168. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Background: The ubiquitous nature of data/information in healthcare has made it an imperative facet that requires the services of highly trained professionals with well-endowed field competencies to properly generate and use this sensitive data to enhance healthcare outcomes. There are still numerous challenges regarding the quality of data generated in the healthcare sector, especially in many middle-income countries. A growing number of studies show that data quality issues can be linked to the repercussions of inadequate competency levels of some healthcare professionals (HCPs). In that vein, this study was purported to assess the competency level of HCPs regarding the generation and usage of health information. Method: A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed for the study, where professionals provided self-ratings of their competencies by completing the structured questionnaire. The study saw a response rate of 98% with 877 HCPs from eight selected health facilities in Ghana. The reliability of the study construct was tested using a Cronbach’s alpha test. The competency level of the professionals was measured on a scale of 1-3 under nine competency areas and categorized into entry, intermediate, and advanced levels. The chi-square test (χ ²) and Cramer’s V test were used to determine the possibility of any predictive factors associated with the professionals’ competency levels. An ANOVA and a Dunnett’s T3 post hoc test were deployed to ascertain the significant differences in the competency levels attained in the various healthcare facilities involved in the study. All statistical tests resulting in a p value less than 0.05 were deemed significant. Results: With a target of 2.30/3.00, HCPs were only found to be mostly competent (advanced level) in the application of health information law and ethics when generating and using health information (2.50) and generic professional skills (2.33). On the contrary, HCPs had low levels of competency in the application of healthcare terminologies and disease classification (1.83), research methods skills (1.94), health service organization and delivery skills (1.96), health information and service organization management skills (2.00), the use of the language of health (2.00), electronic health skills (2.06), and health information records and management skills (2.27). Health information officers and doctors were the only professional categories that attained the threshold in our study. Sex, type of profession, educational level, and years of experience were all identified as significant predictive factors of HCP competency level. There were significant differences in the competency levels of HCPs in various facilities. Conclusion: There are lapses in competency levels about some specific areas which ought to be taken into cognizance. This study concludes that years of experience and educational level are the greatest predictive factors that can affect the competency level of HCPs when it comes to information generation and usage. There is a need for more competency-based education, capacity building, and in-service training that will be geared toward the enhancement of HCP competency in the effective generation and usage of data/information to maximize healthcare outcomes.

PMID:41031261 | PMC:PMC12421650 | DOI:10.1155/bmri/8826168

Biomed Res Int. 2025 Sep 22;2025:7109372. doi: 10.1155/bmri/7109372. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives: Herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections pose significant challenges in managing transplant patients and necessitate rapid and precise diagnostic methods due to their immunosuppressed state. This study designed and evaluated the performance of an in-house multiplex real-time PCR for simultaneous detection of these viruses. Materials and Methods: Plasma samples from 270 transplant patients were tested using an in-house multiplex real-time PCR assay specifically designed for HSV, VZV, and EBV. Analytical specificity and the assay’s limit of detection (LOD) were determined. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the agreement between the in-house assay and the reference kit. Results: The method had a specificity of 98% for HSV, 97% for VZV, and 95% for EBV, alongside 100% sensitivity for all three viruses. No cross-reactivity was observed with other viral or bacterial DNA. The LOD for the in-house assay was determined to be 6.25, 25, and 25 copies/mL for HSV, VZV, and EBV, respectively. Additionally, precision analysis showed low CV values in both intra-assay and interassay evaluations (HSV: 1.5%-1.8%; VZV: 2.3%-2.6%; and EBV: 3.7%-3.9%), confirming the assay’s robust analytical precision. Bland-Altman analysis showed mean differences of 1.35, -3.29, and 1.75 for HSV, VZV, and EBV, respectively. This multiplex real-time PCR method enables detection at lower concentrations. Cross-reactivity testing confirmed no interaction with DNA from other viruses or nontarget microorganisms. Bland-Altman and linear regression analyses also showed a strong agreement between commercial and in-house methods. Conclusion: These findings, compared to Altona diagnostic kits, highlight the value of designing and applying advanced diagnostic assays in managing viral infections in transplant patients.

PMID:41031247 | PMC:PMC12454909 | DOI:10.1155/bmri/7109372

Foot Ankle Orthop. 2025 Sep 28;10(3):24730114251371722. doi: 10.1177/24730114251371722. eCollection 2025 Jul.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ankle arthroscopy (AA) is a commonly used operative technique to diagnose and treat a variety of intraarticular pathologies of the ankle joint. In AA, 2 portals are commonly established to achieve visualization of the joint: the anteromedial (AM) and anterolateral (AL) portals. However, the superficial peroneal nerve (SPN) runs near the anterolateral portal site; thus, creation of the AL portal is associated with neuropraxic injuries to the SPN.When AA is combined with additional procedures, such as a Brostrom-Gould ligament repair or open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), the use of a direct lateral incision is required. We present a novel approach to combining AA with lateral adjunct procedures which avoids creation of the AL portal; the AM portal and lateral incision are used for instrumentation instead. The primary objective of this study is to compare complication rates, such as SPN injury, between the lateral incision (LI) approach and conventional arthroscopy plus a lateral incision approach.

METHODS: Following IRB approval, a retrospective chart review was conducted spanning a time frame from January 2020 to October 2024. Patients were included if they underwent AA plus either a Brostrom-Gould repair or ORIF (AA+) or if they underwent AA plus adjunct procedures using the lateral portal instrumentation method (LI). Ninety-four patients were initially identified; 2 were excluded per criteria. Demographic information, intraoperative details, and any postoperative complications or reoperations were recorded. Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographics and operative data, and 2-tailed Student t tests were used to identify statistical differences between group metrics.

RESULTS: Ninety-two patients were included in the study. No statistical differences were observed between cohorts in either of the intraoperative metrics considered (procedural duration and tourniquet duration; P = .44 and .89, respectively). In addition, complication and reoperation rates were not statistically different between the LI and AA+ groups (P = .94 and .40, respectively). The rate of SPN neuropathy or neurapraxia were also compared between groups, resulting in no statistical differences (P = .37).

CONCLUSION: In this retrospective cohort study, we observed no differences when only anteromedial and lateral portals are used for an ankle arthroscopy with adjunct procedures compared with the traditional 3-incision approach. We hypothesize that instances of infection or wound dehiscence would decrease given a large enough cohort because of the creation of 1 fewer portal. However, given the small, underpowered sample, we cannot determine whether the lateral approach alters complication risk; larger multicenter studies are needed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

PMID:41031227 | PMC:PMC12477371 | DOI:10.1177/24730114251371722

NPJ Biodivers. 2025 Sep 30;4(1):36. doi: 10.1038/s44185-025-00101-w.

ABSTRACT

The role of intraspecific trait variability (ITV) in trait spaces is still overlooked. We outline the swapping procedure, which detects changes in the main properties of any trait space as a function of ITV. Building on the properties of eigendecomposition analysis, we propose a set of target parameters, statistical tests and related interpretations to stimulate further research on this topic. We also link R functions to perform the swapping procedure.

PMID:41028299 | DOI:10.1038/s44185-025-00101-w

Sci Rep. 2025 Sep 30;15(1):34117. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-20663-w.

ABSTRACT

The present study investigated the tissue reaction of platelet rich fibrin and chitosan hydrogel as internal matrices in repairing furcal perforations in mature dogs’ teeth. Seventy-two teeth in six mongrel dogs were experimented in this study. After access opening, root canal preparation was completed and obturation was done using gutta percha/resin sealer. Furcation perforations were done, and the experimental teeth were classified according to the perforation repair protocol to three experimental groups and a positive control group (18 teeth each). Group 1: Platelet-rich fibrin matrix with premixed calcium silicate-based bioceramic putty (BC putty), Group 2: Chitosan hydrogel matrix with BC putty, Group 3: BC putty alone and Group 4: a positive control group where no repair material was utilized. Access openings were restored with composite filling. The experimented teeth and the supporting bone were sectioned into blocks and histologically examined for tissue reaction at one and three months. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test, where the significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05. BC putty and BC putty with PRF matrix exhibited less bone loss, epithelial proliferation and inflammatory reaction compared to chitosan hydrogel at one and three months intervals, also they showed more hard tissue deposition compared to chitosan hydrogel at 3-month interval. Although BC putty presented higher sealing ability with great area of newly formed hard tissue compared to chitosan hydrogel, BC putty with PRF can be considered as a successful management option for furcal perforation repair. Management of perforation is considered a challenging procedure especially when located in the furcation area, however histological evaluation of the tissue reaction to different internal matrices materials could provide favorable clinical outcomes concerning the perforation repair procedures.

PMID:41028290 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-20663-w

Sci Rep. 2025 Sep 30;15(1):33792. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-99177-4.

ABSTRACT

Graduates from medical schools are expected to be ready for demanding professional roles. Previous studies have indicated that medical students frequently experience anxiety and depression, which affect their academic and personal lives. This study aims to identify factors associated with anxiety and depression among medical students at universities in Ethiopia. This cross-sectional study was conducted at three Ethiopian medical colleges-Gondar University in northern Ethiopia, Jimma University in southern Ethiopia, and Hawasa University in southern Ethiopia-from November 1, 2023, to March 30, 2024. A total of 450 medical students participated in the survey, which utilized the Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Satisfaction with Life Scale. Various demographic, academic, and social factors were analyzed via descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. The prevalence of depression was 52%, while the prevalence of anxiety was 59.1%. Compared to males, females had higher rates of depression (63.93%) and anxiety (65.02%). Additionally, nonlocal students exhibited greater anxiety levels (68.28%). Living alone, poor peer relationships, and poor academic performance were significantly associated with increased anxiety and depression. Logistic regression revealed significant associations between sex, living arrangements, peer relationships, year of study, academic performance, and life satisfaction and anxiety and depression symptoms. Anxiety and depression are prevalent among medical students and are influenced by various demographic, academic, and social factors. Addressing these issues through targeted interventions, enhanced support services, and curriculum adjustments is crucial for improving the mental health and academic success of medical students.

PMID:41028282 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-99177-4

Sci Rep. 2025 Sep 30;15(1):34086. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-14641-5.

ABSTRACT

The accumulation of mineral deposits on industrial equipment surfaces poses a major concern in a variety of processes. Gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O) is one of the most widely produced minerals in both natural and industrial environments. Currently, intelligent white-box models can serve as a suitable alternative to time-consuming and high-priced experiments, enabling the identification of possible gypsum scaling issues in the chemical and petroleum industries. In this regard, the current study focused on the development of robust mathematical correlations to estimate the solubility of gypsum in aqueous electrolyte solutions. For this purpose, three rigorous techniques of Genetic Programming (GP), Gene Expression Programming (GEP), and Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) were implemented on two distinct data banks, including 2288 experimental data-points taken from previously published literature. Solution temperature (T), solution molecular weight (MW), and molal concentrations of monovalent, divalent, and trivalent compounds (m_I, m_II, and m_III) were the input/independent variables employed in the first data bank, whereas solution temperature (T), solution molecular weight (MW), and solution ionic strength (I) were included in the second data bank. The performance and accuracy of correlations were evaluated using various statistical indicators such as Mean Bias Error (MBE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Coefficient of Determination (R²). Following multiple statistical and graphical analyses on the novel correlations’ outcomes, it was found that the correlation established by implementing the GMDH technique onto the first data bank (i.e., GMDH-1) performed significantly better than all other correlations, with MAE = 0.01095, RMSE = 0.01482, and R² = 0.8508. The correlations obtained by applying the GEP and GMDH techniques to the second data bank (i.e., GEP-2 and GMDH-2) also revealed a satisfactory level of performance. By comparing the new correlations developed in this study with models reported in previous studies, a reasonable level of agreement was found.

PMID:41028254 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-14641-5

Sci Rep. 2025 Sep 30;15(1):34043. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-14273-9.

ABSTRACT

Accurate estimation of water acidity is essential for characterizing acid mine drainage (AMD) and designing effective remediation strategies. However, conventional approaches, including titration and empirical estimation methods based on iron speciation, often fail to account for site-specific geochemical complexity. This study introduces a high-accuracy, site-specific empirical model for predicting acidity in AMD-impacted waters, developed from field data collected at the Trimpancho mining complex in the Iberian Pyrite Belt (Spain). Using multiple linear regression (MLR), a robust predictive relationship was established based on Cu, Al, Mn, Zn, and pH, achieving a coefficient of determination (R²) of 99.2%. The model significantly outperforms the standard Hedin method, with a lower mean absolute percentage error (13% vs. 29%). Results also reveal strong spatial and seasonal hydrochemical variability, underscoring the limitations of generalized acidity models in such environments. This work demonstrates the applicability of site-calibrated multivariate models as practical tools for enhancing acidity prediction in complex AMD systems.

PMID:41028253 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-14273-9

Sci Rep. 2025 Sep 30;15(1):33791. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-97562-7.

ABSTRACT

Mango is a fruit of great economic importance in India. India is the top mango-producing nation in the world, accounting for over half of global mango output. In order to determine the production capability of the insured orchards, a complete inventory is carried out in situ every three years. The inventory includes counting number of trees, grouping them into yield categories, and assessing damaged ones. Satellite Remote Sensing proves to be a vital tool for estimating ecological parameters such as population density, tree health, volume, biomass, and carbon sequestration rates. The significance of tree counting extends beyond orchard evaluations, playing a vital role in environmental protection, agricultural planning, and crop yield forecast. unfortunately, conventional tree counting methods often require very expensive feature engineering, which leads to more errors as well as lower overall optimization. In order to overcome these obstacles, deep learning-based methods have been used to count trees, exhibiting cutting-edge results in this crucial activity. This paper introduces a novel approach employing deep learning for Image-Based Mango Tree counting in high-resolution satellite imagery data. The proposed model, named Bi-directional Feature Pyramid Network (BiFPN)-YOLOv8m an improved version of YOLOv8, employs object detection to effectively separate, locate, and count mango trees with in orchards. A dataset of 1700 training and 300 testing images of mango orchards with trees of various ages is used to evaluate the various YOLOv8 variants, YOLOv8n, YOLOv8s, YOLOv8m, YOLOv8l, YOLOv8x, including YOLOv9, YOLOv10, and BiFPN-YOLOv8m, with a focus on computational efficiency, accuracy, and speed. Experimental findings show that, even under difficult circumstances, the proposed method continuously outperforms state-of-the-art techniques.

PMID:41028215 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-97562-7