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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Investigation of the Effects of Light, Darkness, and Dim Light on Rat Brain Tissue: A Biochemical and Histological Study

ACS Chem Neurosci. 2025 Jan 17. doi: 10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00757. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study evaluates acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme activity levels, oxidative stress parameters, histopathological findings, and serum melatonin levels in rat brain tissue. 32 male Wistar Albino rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control, Light, Dark, Dim light (n = 8 each group). After a 30 day experiment, brain tissues were collected to measure AChE, glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and conduct histopathological analyses. Serum melatonin levels were also measured. In this study, we observed a significant increase in MDA levels in dim light, dark, and light groups. AChE and α-GST enzyme activity levels were significantly decreased in the dark group compared with the other groups. Additionally, there was a statistical difference in melatonin levels between the light and dark groups. In the light microscope examination of the sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin from the dark group brain tissue, mild perineuronal edema was observed in all areas. Our study is the first to compare the effects of three groups on the brain: continuous light, continuous darkness, and dim light at night. Additionally, it is the only study to examine the effects of light exposure differences on the brain AChE levels.

PMID:39818736 | DOI:10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00757

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

The influence of 3-dimensional printing layer thickness on model accuracy and the perceived fit of thermoformed retainers

Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2025 Jan 17:S0889-5406(24)00524-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2024.11.010. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of dental model printing using 2 different layer height settings and how these settings affect the fabrication of thermoformed retainers.

METHODS: Subjects were recruited from the Department of Orthodontics at Case Western Reserve University and scanned according to specific selection criteria. A total of 30 stereolithography files were produced and used as reference files. The stereolithography files were printed at the recommended layer height of 100 μm and 170 μm with a Sprint Ray Pro 95 3-dimensional (3D) printer (Sprint Ray, Los Angeles, Calif). All printed models were scanned using the same iTero intraoral scanner (Align Technology, San Jose, Calif) as was used for the initial intraoral scan as well. The accuracy of the printed models was based on the evaluation of root mean square values resulting from 3D superimpositions. Afterward, vacuum-formed retainers were fabricated. The vacuum-formed retainers were evaluated by the patient and an American Board of Orthodontics-certified orthodontist.

RESULTS: No difference was observed in the maxillary arch (P = 0.85) and the mandibular arch accuracy (P = 0.08) by assessing the root mean square values. No difference was observed in the doctor retainer score of the maxillary retainers (P = 0.37) and the mandibular retainers (P = 0.77). There was no difference in the patient retainer score of the maxillary (P = 0.08) and the mandibular retainers (P = 0.22) when comparing retainers. Conversely, less printing time was observed when printing the models with 170 μm compared with 100 μm (P <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of a dental model printed with a Sprint Ray Pro 95 3D printer was not affected by the 100 or 170 μm layer height. Orthodontists and patients did not detect a statistically significant difference in retainer fit.

PMID:39818678 | DOI:10.1016/j.ajodo.2024.11.010

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

The Evidence Alone Was Not Enough to Change Practice: A Mixed-methods Analysis Using a Standardized Framework to Understand Perceptions of Barriers and Compliance to ERAS Recommendations

J Perianesth Nurs. 2025 Jan 16:S1089-9472(24)00487-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jopan.2024.10.002. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Understanding barriers to compliance can aid in mitigation strategies to address them. This study aims to quantitatively and qualitatively assess the relationship between barriers to ERAS recommendations and perceived ability to assure compliance among multidisciplinary team (MDT) members who deliver Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) care.

DESIGN: Embedded mixed-methods survey analysis.

METHODS: A survey was distributed to ERAS professionals to assess for each recommendation: how much the recommendation was part of their role; how much they felt they could assure compliance with the recommendation; and the primary barrier to compliance. Imputed datasets were created within each MDT role, significant barriers retained, and prediction models developed. Qualitative data were thematically coded and a mind map visualized themes.

FINDINGS: Most respondents were surgeons with greater than 10 years’ experience. Surgeons and advanced practice providers reported highest averages of compliance assurance, nurses the lowest. Barriers most reported were patient factors and lack of agreement. Lack of familiarity and motivation predicted statistically significant decreases in compliance with oral carbohydrate loading. Qualitatively, nurses and surgeons reported lack of agreement from colleagues as the biggest barrier, followed by lack of resources and motivation to change. Other themes were the importance of teamwork, data audit, staff education, and informatics.

CONCLUSIONS: Standardized data collection and reporting of barriers to ERAS recommendations may help identify barriers and improve compliance in a multidisciplinary context. A rich, mixed-methods analysis revealed key insights into perceptions of barriers and compliance with ERAS.

PMID:39818665 | DOI:10.1016/j.jopan.2024.10.002

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Testing of a Culinary Medicine Intervention for Racially/Ethnically Diverse Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

J Nutr Educ Behav. 2025 Jan 14:S1499-4046(24)00527-X. doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2024.11.006. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Assess if a virtual culinary medicine program improves healthy eating, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and associated variables among adults with type 2 diabetes.

DESIGN: Mixed-methods, intervention-only pilot study.

SETTING: Classes via video conferencing from the teaching kitchen, with participants cooking from their homes.

PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and four patients from a Texas primary care system.

INTERVENTIONS: Five-session program (Spanish and English) led by a dietitian.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: HbA1c. Secondary outcomes included MyPlate knowledge, self-efficacy, healthy eating and cooking behaviors, diabetes self-management, perceived health, and blood pressure.

ANALYSIS: Multilevel mixed-effects regression to analyze changes at pretreatment, posttreatment, and 6-month follow-up. Framework analysis to analyze postintervention interviews.

RESULTS: Participants with complete posttest data (n = 61) demonstrated statistically significant (P <0.05) improvements in MyPlate knowledge, cooking self-efficacy, servings of fruits and vegetables, frequency of healthy food intake, shopping, cooking and eating behaviors, diabetes self-management, and perceived health, compared with pretest. HbA1c levels showed statistically significant reductions from pretest to posttest (P = 0.02) and at 6-month follow-up (P <0.001). Participants reported high satisfaction and sustained new habits.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: We saw improvements in healthy eating and cooking behaviors and HbA1c. While further rigorous testing is needed, this program could be incorporated into clinical practices as a brief intervention for patients with type 2 diabetes.

PMID:39818659 | DOI:10.1016/j.jneb.2024.11.006

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Mean Differences for 3 Delivery Modalities of the Healthy Eating, Staying Active As We Age Curriculum for Older Adults

J Nutr Educ Behav. 2025 Jan 16:S1499-4046(24)00528-1. doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2024.11.007. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the mean differences in outcomes of 3 delivery modalities of a nutrition education program targeting older adults.

METHODS: A natural experiment was conducted from March 2020 to September 2021, with presurveys and postsurveys used to assess dietary and physical activity behaviors. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t tests, and ANOVA, with a Bonferroni-corrected significance threshold at P < 0.001.

RESULTS: There were 3 groups: in-person (n = 212), Zoom (n = 61), and phone (n = 104). Respondents aged > 70 years and in rural areas were more likely to be enrolled in person (P < 0.001). Across all modalities, there were significant improvements from before to after for most outcomes. The phone group reported significantly larger mean differences than the in-person group for fruit, vegetable, and whole grain consumption (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Healthy Eating, Staying Active as We Age can be delivered across all modalities. Future practitioners can use the findings to consider alternative modalities that may better meet the needs of their audience.

PMID:39818658 | DOI:10.1016/j.jneb.2024.11.007

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Self-Collected Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections: A National Text Message Survey of Adolescents and Young Adults

J Adolesc Health. 2025 Jan 16:S1054-139X(24)00527-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2024.10.028. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We aimed to analyze adolescent and young adults’ (AYAs) perspectives on using sexually transmitted infection (STI) self-collection kits to help guide the provision and implementation of accessible and confidential reproductive health-care services for those who experience the burden of STIs and STI-related morbidity.

METHODS: We utilized MyVoice, a nationwide text message survey of AYAs, to pose 6 open-ended questions on their perceptions and use of STI self-collection kits. Two independent reviewers used inductive content analysis to develop a codebook and analyze responses, and a third settled any coding discrepancies through discussion to reach consensus. Code frequencies and demographic data were summarized using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS: We collected responses from 763 participants. Individuals who answered at least one question were included in the sample. Responses indicated that most (n = 695, 91.1%) participants would use free STI self-collection kits. Participants who would not use an STI self-collection kit (n = 45, 5.9%) cited concerns about test result accuracy and discomfort with specimen collection.

DISCUSSION: Survey respondents were amenable to using free, STI self-collection kits; however, some were concerned about accuracy. There is an urgent need to prioritize and increase the accessibility of STI testing among youth. STI self-collection kits are an effective and accessible option that addresses barriers to reproductive health-care services-stigma, inconvenience, and lack of privacy. A social media campaign focusing on AYAs may increase knowledge and use of STI self-collection kits through dissemination of accurate information, stigma reduction, and provision of accessible resources that empower AYAs to prioritize their sexual health.

PMID:39818656 | DOI:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2024.10.028

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Continuous Improvement Decreases Emergency Department Patients Leaving Before Treatment Complete Rates

J Emerg Nurs. 2025 Jan 15:S0099-1767(24)00364-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jen.2024.12.007. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: In hospital-based emergency departments, the national average of left before treatment complete was 2%. In addition, patients may leave without being seen or against medical advice and elope after arriving to the emergency department. When events occurred, they were associated with an increased length of stay for patients who were admitted to the hospital and decreased patient satisfaction.

METHODS: In a 24-bed emergency department within a small rural hospital that is part of a large quaternary care health care system, a multidisciplinary team used a continuous improvement model and nursing and medical caregivers to implement a clustered intervention to decrease the frequency of patients leaving before treatment was completed. After completing summary statistics, logistic regression was performed to assess left before treatment complete rates in 2021 and 2022. Sensitivity analysis was performed using Poisson log-linear regression.

RESULTS: Of 45,814 emergency visits (July to December 2021, 15,600; January to December 2022, 30,214), 3097 patients (6.76%) left before treatment complete, left before being seen, left against medical advice, or eloped. When comparing rates before and after countermeasures were introduced, the odds of leaving before a final disposition was made was 354% higher pre- vs postcountermeasure implementation (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 4.54 [4.2-4.91], P < .001). In sensitivity analyses that regressed the rate of left before treatment complete over the 2 years, the odds ratio was similar (4.07 [2.92-5.67], P < .001).

DISCUSSION: Using a continuous improvement framework and nursing caregiver-based countermeasures, the rate of leaving before final disposition was dramatically reduced. Team involvement in action planning and change processes was critical to successful outcomes.

PMID:39818632 | DOI:10.1016/j.jen.2024.12.007

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) for high transsphincteric fistulas: a double-center retrospective study with long-term follow-up

Ann Coloproctol. 2025 Jan 17. doi: 10.3393/ac.2024.00024.0003. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of the ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) procedure in treating high transsphincteric fistulas.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the success rate of LIFT treatment in 82 patients with high transsphincteric fistulas involving at least 1/3 of the external sphincter. This study was carried out across 2 centers from November 2009 to February 2023.

RESULTS: All patients underwent successful surgery with a median operative time of 48.9 minutes (range, 20-80 minutes), and no intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported. The median follow-up duration was 85.5 months (range, 4-120 months), with 5 patients (6.1%) lost to follow-up. Treatment was successful in 62 patients, whose symptoms disappeared and both the external opening and the intersphincteric incision completely healed, yielding an overall efficiency rate of 80.5%. There were 15 cases (19.5%) of treatment failure, including 6 (7.8%) that converted to intersphincteric anal fistula and 9 (11.7%) that experienced persistent or recurrent fistulas. Only 1 patient reported minor overflow during the postoperative follow-up, but no other patients reported any significant discomfort. There were no statistically significant differences between patients with surgical success and those with treatment failure in terms of fistula length, history of previous abscess or anal fistula surgery, number of external orifices or fistulas, and location of fistulas (all P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: LIFT is a safe and effective sphincter-preserving procedure that yields satisfactory healing outcomes and has minimal impact on anal function.

PMID:39818537 | DOI:10.3393/ac.2024.00024.0003

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Acid resistance and bond strength of calcium-containing adhesive on ename

Int Dent J. 2025 Jan 15:S0020-6539(24)01617-4. doi: 10.1016/j.identj.2024.11.023. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Marginal sealing by enamel bonding is important to enhance the durability of the restoration and prevent secondary caries after operative procedure. This study aimed to evaluate the enamel acid resistance and bond strength of an experimental calcium-containing adhesive system.

METHODS: All materials were provided by Kuraray Noritake Dental, Inc. (Tokyo, Japan). A calcium-containing primer (CaP) was formulated by blending 10% CaCl2 into Clearfil SE Bond2 primer. The original primer (SEP) served as a control. Clearfil SE Bond2 Bond and Clearfil Protect Bond (PBB) were used as bonding agents. Human molar enamel was used for acid-resistance evaluation. After the adhesive was applied, a resin composite was built and light-cured. The samples were then subjected to an acid-base challenge and observed under scanning electron microscopy after 1 day and 3 months of storage. Mechanical strength was evaluated using microshear bond strength (μSBS) testing on bovine incisor enamel, with tests conducted 1 day after bonding (TC0) and after 5000 thermal cycles (TC5000). Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA and t tests (α = 0.05).

RESULTS: Acid-base resistant zones (ABRZs) formed in all groups, with thicker ABRZ formation in the CaP groups than in the SEP groups. A slope formation at the bottom of the outer lesion was noted in the PBB group. No morphological differences were found between the immediate and 3-month storage groups. The thermal cycling mode did not significantly affect the μSBS between the CaP and SEP groups.

CONCLUSION: The experimental calcium-containing adhesive system formed a thicker ABRZ on enamel without affecting the μSBS.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The study suggests that the experimental adhesive system enhances enamel acid resistance, forming a thicker ABRZ while maintaining bond strength, offering improved long-term protection against caries for clinical use.

PMID:39818536 | DOI:10.1016/j.identj.2024.11.023

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Evaluation of a Deep Learning Denoising Algorithm for Dose Reduction in Whole-Body Photon-Counting CT Imaging: A Cadaveric Study

Acad Radiol. 2025 Jan 15:S1076-6332(24)01040-7. doi: 10.1016/j.acra.2024.12.052. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Photon Counting CT (PCCT) offers advanced imaging capabilities with potential for substantial radiation dose reduction; however, achieving this without compromising image quality remains a challenge due to increased noise at lower doses. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a deep learning (DL)-based denoising algorithm in maintaining diagnostic image quality in whole-body PCCT imaging at reduced radiation levels, using real intraindividual cadaveric scans.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four cadaveric human bodies underwent whole-body CT scans on a PCCT scanner (NAEOTOM Alpha, Siemens Healthineers) at four different dose levels (100%, 50%, 25%, and 10% mAs). Each scan was reconstructed using both ADMIRE level 2 and a DL algorithm (ClariCT.AI, ClariPi Inc.), resulting in 192 datasets. Objective image quality was assessed by measuring CT value stability, image noise, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) across consistent regions of interest (ROIs) in the liver parenchyma. Two radiologists independently evaluated subjective image quality based on overall image clarity, sharpness, and contrast. Inter-rater agreement was determined using Spearman’s correlation coefficient, and statistical analysis included mixed-effects modeling to assess objective and subjective image quality.

RESULTS: Objective analysis showed that the DL denoising algorithm did not significantly alter CT values (p ≥ 0.9975). Noise levels were consistently lower in denoised datasets compared to the Original (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were observed between the 25% mAs denoised and the 100% mAs original datasets in terms of noise and CNR (p ≥ 0.7870). Subjective analysis revealed strong inter-rater agreement (r ≥ 0.78), with the 50% mAs denoised datasets rated superior to the 100% mAs original datasets (p < 0.0001) and no significant differences detected between the 25% mAs denoised and 100% mAs original datasets (p ≥ 0.9436).

CONCLUSION: The DL denoising algorithm maintains image quality in PCCT imaging while enabling up to a 75% reduction in radiation dose. This approach offers a promising method for reducing radiation exposure in clinical PCCT without compromising diagnostic quality.

PMID:39818525 | DOI:10.1016/j.acra.2024.12.052