Category: Nevin Manimala

J Community Psychol. 2025 Mar;53(3):e70008. doi: 10.1002/jcop.70008.

ABSTRACT

Interest in resilience at both the individual and group levels is increasing in response to disasters. The Conjoint Community Resiliency Assessment Measure-10 (CCRAM10), actively utilized in disaster-related research, is a shortened 10-item scale developed to measure community resilience. This study aims to explore the factor structure of CCRAM10 and to verify its measurement invariance. Data were collected from 1200 Korean adults, and factor analysis along with measurement invariance for gender and age groups was conducted. The analysis indicated that, like the original scale, CCRAM10 appropriately consists of five subfactors and has secured measurement invariance, confirming its usefulness for community resilience research.

PMID:40232685 | DOI:10.1002/jcop.70008

Indian J Gastroenterol. 2025 Apr 15. doi: 10.1007/s12664-025-01770-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs) constitute a global health challenge. Overlapping DGBIs amplify the clinical severity and have a profound impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and somatization. Data on the prevalence and overlap of all individual DGBIs and their clinical ramifications remains limited. This study sought to elucidate these aspects within a northern Indian tertiary healthcare setting.

METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study enrolled patients meeting Rome IV criteria for DGBIs and healthy controls (HC). Participants underwent elaborative assessments, including socio-demographic profiling, HRQoL evaluation (PROMIS Global-10) and somatization quantification (PHQ-12). Statistical analyses compared prevalence rates, overlap patterns and associated clinical outcomes between various groups.

RESULTS: Of the 2538 patients screened, 1044 (41.1%) with DGBIs (age 41.7 ± 12.6 years, 51.9% males) were enrolled; along with 1021 age and gender-matched HCs. Most common gastrointestinal region involved was gastroduodenal (49.9%), followed by bowel (39.7%) and esophageal (33.3%). Most common DGBIs were functional dyspepsia (FD; 44.4%), functional esophageal disorders (FEsD;32.4%), functional constipation (FC;18%), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS;16.1%). Overlapping DGBIs were present in 40.3% patients, with FD-FEsD (23.9%) and FD-FC(22.1%) and FD-IBS (52;12.4%) overlaps being the most common. Compared to HC, DGBI patients had significantly poorer HRQoL scores (19.1 ± 0.7 vs. 13.52 ± 3.39; p < 0.001) and significantly increased somatization scores (2.5 ± 1.7 vs. 18.5 ± 0.7; p < 0.001). Further, patients with overlapping DGBIs had significantly poorer HRQoL and significantly increased somatization scores compared to non-overlapping counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides novel data on the clinical burden and the entire spectrum of overlapping and non-overlapping DGBIs, while studying their impact on HRQoL and somatization. DGBI patients had significantly poorer HRQoL and heightened somatization compared to HCs; with further detriments observed in those with overlapping DGBIs. These findings emphasize the need for an integrated multidisciplinary approach for the evaluation of possible overlaps and for assessment of HRQoL in all patients with DGBIs to improve clinical outcomes.

PMID:40232666 | DOI:10.1007/s12664-025-01770-y

Int J Clin Pharm. 2025 Apr 15. doi: 10.1007/s11096-025-01908-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce major cardiovascular events among individuals with heart failure regardless the ejection fraction. The effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and physical capacity are still unclear.

AIM: To investigate the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on HRQoL and physical capacity in patients with heart failure.

METHOD: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SGLT2 inhibitors to placebo in this population. The outcomes analyzed were mean changes in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) score and its domains: total symptoms score (TSS), physical limitations score (PLS), clinical summary score (CSS) and overall summary score (OSS), as well as the six-minute walk test (6MWT) and peak oxygen uptake (peak VO₂).

RESULTS: Eighteen RCTs with 23,848 participants were included. There was a statistical significant improvement in KCCQ TSS (MD: 3.33; 95% CI 1.84 to 4.81; p < 0.001) in HFrEF, HFpEF and non-diabetic subgroups. Consistent findings were found in KCCQ PLS, KCCQ CSS, and KCCQ OSS. The distance covered in the 6MWT was significant higher (MD: 12.8; 95% CI 1.06 to 24.54; p = 0.03) and peak VO₂ was increased (MD: 1.06; 95% CI 0.57 to 1.55; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: SGLT2 inhibitors improve HRQoL and functional capacity in patients with HF regardless the ejection fraction and co-diagnosis of diabetes.

PMID:40232664 | DOI:10.1007/s11096-025-01908-0

Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2025 Apr 15. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000005361. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective registry-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the nationwide epidemiology, treatment patterns, and prognosis of primary malignant spine tumors (PMST) using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association’s Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor (BSTT) Registry.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: PMSTs are rare, comprising a small proportion of primary malignant bone tumors. The surrounding anatomical structures make complete resection challenging, leading to poor prognoses. Studies using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database have provided valuable epidemiological insights; however, limitations in the granularity and diversity of histological subtypes persist, leaving detailed knowledge of PMSTs insufficiently clarified.

METHODS: We analyzed 288 PMST cases from the BSTT Registry (2006-2019), evaluating patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment details, and prognostic outcomes. Kaplan-Meier methods estimated disease-specific survival (DSS), and Cox proportional hazards models identified prognostic factors.

RESULTS: PMSTs accounted for 3.3% of primary malignant bone tumors. Common histological subtypes included osteosarcoma (21.9%), chondrosarcoma (16.3%), chordoma (13.9%), and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (13.9%). Surgery was performed in 46.2% of cases, with intralesional margins in 54.1%. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were administered in 42.0% and 54.9% of cases, respectively. The 5-year DSS was 47.5%. Adjusted analysis revealed favorable prognoses for chondrosarcoma (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.06-0.87, P=0.031), chordoma (HR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.09-0.84, P=0.024), and Ewing sarcoma (HR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.18-0.98, P=0.044) compared to osteosarcoma. Adults (40-64 years) had better outcomes than the elderly (≥65 years; HR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.24-0.76, P=0.015). Advanced TNM stage (IVA + IVB) was an adverse prognostic factor (HR: 7.60, 95% CI: 1.85-31.18, P=0.005).

CONCLUSIONS: PMSTs are rare and present diverse histological subtypes with poor prognoses. This study emphasizes the need for further investigations to optimize PMST management and improve prognoses.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b.

PMID:40231408 | DOI:10.1097/BRS.0000000000005361

Soft Matter. 2025 Apr 15. doi: 10.1039/d4sm01470g. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

An open challenge in soft matter science is the ability to create hydrogels that are soft but also have high fracture energy. A possible solution to this stiffness-toughness conflict has arisen through a class of material known as hybrid double-network hydrogels, which combine two polymeric networks with diametrically opposed chain stiffness and with both covalent and physical crosslinking. The vast parameter space inherent to such a system means it is difficult to identify the precise compositional parameters that lead to both high toughness and low stiffness. In this work, we address this challenge through a design of experiments (DoE) framework used to establish the statistical relationship between factors and mechanical properties of a hybrid double-network hydrogel. The crosslinking density of the networks is noted to play a prominent role in determining the stiffness of the hydrogel, while the network characteristics of the ductile network determine the toughness of the hydrogel. We also report that contrary to observations in current literature, it is possible to toughen the hydrogel without stiffening it. Therefore, the present experimentation and optimization exercise provides a hands-on guide for the use of DoE to determine the conditions for optimised mechanical properties of thin hybrid double-network hydrogels for various applications.

PMID:40231401 | DOI:10.1039/d4sm01470g

J Pediatr Orthop. 2025 Apr 15. doi: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000002980. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Achondroplasia (ACH) is the most common skeletal dysplasia and is characterized by a short-limbed short stature, sagittal spinal malalignment, and genu varum. Vosoritide promotes longitudinal bone growth in children with ACH; however, its effects on various disease-specific complications, other than short stature, are unknown. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of vosoritide on spinal and lower limb malalignment in children with ACH.

METHODS: This single-center, open-label, prospective study included patients with ACH aged younger than or equal to 15 years who received vosoritide treatment and had a minimum follow-up period of 1 year. To evaluate alignment after vosoritide treatment, radiologic parameters were measured from sagittal radiographs of the spine and anteroposterior radiographs of the bilateral lower limbs before the administration of vosoritide and 12 months after treatment. Paired t tests were used to compare parameters before and after vosoritide treatment.

RESULTS: Seventeen patients (mean age, 7.6±2.7 y) were included. After 1-year treatment of vosoritide, the mean height increased by 5.4±1.3 cm. Changes in spinal alignment after 1 year of vosoritide treatment were 1.5 degrees for cervical lordosis, -1.3 degrees for thoracic kyphosis, -2.8 degrees for thoracolumbar kyphosis, -5.2 degrees for lumbar lordosis (LL), -2.2 degrees for pelvic tilt, -2.6 degrees for pelvic incidence, -0.4 degrees for sacral slope, and 2.6 mm for C7 sagittal vertical axis. Alignment changes in the lower limbs were -3.4 degrees for mechanical axis angle (MAA), 1.7 degrees for mechanical lateral proximal femoral angle (mLPFA), -2.8 degrees for mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), -0.2 degrees for medial proximal tibial angle, and -0.5 degrees for lateral distal tibial angle. The LL, MAA, mLPFA, and mLDFA levels showed statistically significant changes towards the normal range after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: One-year treatment of vosoritide decreased the exaggerated LL and improved genu varum deformity in children with ACH. Vosoritide therapy may not only increase longitudinal bone growth but also improve spinal and lower limb malalignment in children with ACH.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II: prospective comparative study.

PMID:40231376 | DOI:10.1097/BPO.0000000000002980

J Dig Dis. 2025 Apr 15. doi: 10.1111/1751-2980.13338. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel endoscopic purse-string suture auxiliary instrument compared with traditional methods for closure of a full-thickness defect of the stomach in an ex vivo model.

METHODS: Twelve perforation sites (10-20 mm in diameter) were created in the ex vivo porcine stomach models. Two physicians (A and B had performed endoscopic surgery for 6 and 3 years) performed suturing using both the experimental and traditional (control) instruments. Operation time, success rate, and number of attempts for successful suture required were recorded.

RESULTS: For physician A, the median suturing time was 56.50 s (interquartile range [IQR] 40.50 s, 134.50 s) and 215.50 s (IQR 63.75 s, 254.75 s) in the experimental and control groups. For physician B, they were 53.00 s (IQR 38.50 s, 87.75 s) and 174.00 s (IQR 104.50 s, 279.25 s), respectively. The differences between experimental and control groups were statistically significant for both physicians A (p = 0.010) and B (p = 0.004). The median number of attempts required for successful suturing in the experimental and control groups was 1 (IQR 1, 2) and 2 (IQR 1, 3) for physician A, and 1 (IQR 1, 1) and 3 (IQR 2, 3) for physician B, which were statistically significant for both physicians (p = 0.026 and 0.006). The overall success rate was significantly higher in the experimental group (100% vs. 75.0%, p = 0.022).

CONCLUSION: This novel purse-string suture auxiliary instrument may assist in single-channel endoscopic suturing operations, improve the suture success rate, reduce the number of operations required, and shorten the operation time.

PMID:40231373 | DOI:10.1111/1751-2980.13338

Int J Speech Lang Pathol. 2025 Apr 15:1-12. doi: 10.1080/17549507.2025.2484314. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: A public health approach has the potential to address inequities in speech, language, and communication needs and prevent and reduce the impact of these needs in the population. However, little is known about speech-language pathologists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding a public health approach, including health promotion and prevention. The aim of this study was to investigate the self-rated knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Australian clinicians regarding health promotion and prevention for children’s speech, language, and communication needs.

A cross-sectional online survey of 96 Australian speech-language pathologists was conducted. Inferential statistics were used to investigate associations between clinicians’ self-rated knowledge, training, attitudes, practices, and demographics.

RESULT: The majority of participants had positive attitudes towards health promotion and reported high self-rated knowledge of health promotion. More recently trained speech-language pathologists reported learning about health promotion in their university professional training. Different levels of self-rated knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers to practice were associated with workplace type (e.g. private practice, state health department).

Australian speech-language pathologists are supportive of health promotion and prevention for children’s speech, language, and communication needs. Further research into the organisational aspects and educational needs related to health promotion and prevention of these needs are recommended.

PMID:40231357 | DOI:10.1080/17549507.2025.2484314

Histopathology. 2025 Apr 15. doi: 10.1111/his.15456. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: Mucosal melanoma of the head and neck (MM-H&N) is an aggressive disease known for its frequent residual tumours/relapses (RT/R) at the surgical site, as well as eventual metastases. Our understanding of the MM-H&N mutational landscape, together with the correlation of specific mutations with clinical-pathological features, is significantly less comprehensive compared to that of cutaneous melanoma. Additionally, the mutational status of consecutive samples collected from single patients has not been investigated, which limits our ability to characterise the prognosis and treatment options for this patient subset.

METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 53 MM-H&N specimens from 27 patients were analysed using a laboratory-developed multigene next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel. Among these, material from 46 of 53 (86.8%) samples and from 25 of 27 patients (92.6%) was suitable for NGS. The most frequently detected mutations were found in the RAS genes family, specifically KRAS and NRAS (seven of 46, 15.2%), as well as TP53, KIT and BRAF (each in three of 46, 6.5%); 25 of 46 (54.3%) samples exhibited a wild-type (WT) status. A statistically significant association between BRAF/RAS mutations and mucosal lentiginous histology (P = 0.041) was observed. Additionally, four of 11 (36.4%) patients with consecutive specimens, with no pre-/intersurgery systemic therapies administered and all having at least two evaluable NGS results, demonstrated molecular heterogeneity in the analysed samples.

CONCLUSIONS: MM-H&N shows a significant percentage of WT cases and a limited number of targetable mutations, predominantly involving BRAF/RAS mutations, the latter of which are associated with mucosal lentiginous histology. A subset of patients with consecutive samples demonstrates discordant molecular results, indicating that NGS of all samples may be necessary to determine the most appropriate therapeutic approach.

PMID:40231352 | DOI:10.1111/his.15456

Clin Nurs Res. 2025 Apr 15:10547738251329412. doi: 10.1177/10547738251329412. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) is a serious debilitating condition that develops after the resolution of an acute infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus 2. Some commonly reported symptoms include fatigue and cognitive deficits. Multiple lines of evidence have indicated fatigue to be associated with cognitive deficits in the general population. Herein, we perform a secondary analysis of the effects of fatigue on subjective and objective cognition in persons with PCC using a generalized linear model. In this study, fatigue was measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and cognition was measured using the Digit-Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) and the Trails Making Test parts A and B (TMT-A/B). FSS had a statistically significant negative correlation with DSST and TMT-A/B scores. Fatigue serves as a possible target for the development of PCC therapeutics. Fatigue and cognition correlates should be further investigated for underlying neurobiological substrates in persons with PCC.

PMID:40231351 | DOI:10.1177/10547738251329412