Category: Nevin Manimala

J Racial Ethn Health Disparities. 2025 Feb 27. doi: 10.1007/s40615-025-02318-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: People from ethnic minority backgrounds are exposed to greater risk of patient safety events (such as healthcare-acquired infections and medication errors) occurring in their healthcare. However, evidence of the type and frequency of patient safety events occurring in cancer care among patients from ethnic minority background is lacking. This study sought to address this evidence gap.

DESIGN: A two-stage retrospective medical record review was conducted at four cancer services in two Australian states. Eligible medical records at each service that were identified as belonging to ethnic minority patients were reviewed by two clinician researchers in stage one, followed by authentication of extracted data by a site-specific cancer clinician in stage two. Descriptive statistics were used to report the frequency and type of safety events. Chi-square and independent sample T-tests were used to examine the association between safety events and patient socio-cultural indicators.

RESULTS: A total of 628 patient records were included. Of the 628 patient records, 212 (33.75%) documented at least one safety event. A total of 410 safety events were documented in the 212 patient records. Medication-related safety events were most commonly documented (121/410, 29.5%), followed by clinical process/procedure-related safety events (76/410, 18.5%) and patient accidents (60/410, 14.6%). The occurrence of a safety event was associated with patient records that documented ‘no interpreter was required’.

CONCLUSION: Patient safety events in cancer care occur frequently among patients from ethnic minority backgrounds. Unsafe cancer care for this population is associated with inadequate use of interpreters, lack of shared understanding and expectations of care processes linked to cultural and linguistic barriers. Approaches to enhance engagement are required.

PMID:40014284 | DOI:10.1007/s40615-025-02318-8

Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol. 2025 Feb 27. doi: 10.1007/s10802-025-01296-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are generally associated with impaired life functioning, including mental health. Prevalent globally, ACEs’ effects vary across cultural settings and groups. The present study assessed horizontal and vertical individualism and collectivism – key cultural dimensions – as moderators of ACEs’ relations to adolescent aggressive behavior. The study was conducted in Vietnam, a Southeast Asian nation with high levels of collectivism but with levels of individualism increasing with globalization. The cross-sectional study included 644 high-school students (mean age = 16.6 years; 54% female). Self-report measures assessed ACEs, adolescent aggressive behavior, and individualism and collectivism. Given collectivism’s focus on supporting one’s social communities, it was hypothesized that collectivism would serve as a protective factor for statistical effects of ACEs on aggression. All four moderator analyses involving collectivism supported this hypothesis; i.e., at high levels of collectivism, relations between ACEs and aggression were significantly smaller than at low levels of collectivism. Statistical effects were largest for vertical (endorsing hierarchical power structures) collectivism. In the one significant individualism moderator analysis, individualism served as a risk factor for (i.e., increased) statistical effects of ACEs on proactive aggression. Results highlight the importance of the horizontal-vertical sub-dimensions, as they may provide for more precise theoretical explanatory and intervention models. For instance, concern for the power hierarchy’s reactions (vertical collectivism) to one’s aggression vs. concern for harm to one’s groups (horizontal collectivism) by one’s aggression have different implications for prevention and treatment that may be useful for maximizing interventions’ effectiveness.

PMID:40014281 | DOI:10.1007/s10802-025-01296-z

Oral Radiol. 2025 Feb 27. doi: 10.1007/s11282-025-00811-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare the fractal analysis data of ultrasonography (USG) images of the submandibular and parotid glands before and after parenchymal stimulation to assess for any changes.

METHODS: The study was conducted by taking 240 USG images of bilateral parotid and submandibular glands of 30 patients before and after stimulation. Patients chewed gum for stimulating their salivary glands. Fractal analysis was performed on the USG images, and the data obtained were statistically compared.

RESULTS: The fractal analysis value of the USG images of the parotid gland was 1.45, both before and after stimulation, indicating no statistically significant difference (p = 0.866). In the submandibular gland, this value was the same before and after stimulation (fractal analysis = 1.42), showing no statistically significant difference (p = 0.748). Parotid and submandibular glands were compared. USG fractal analysis values before and after stimulation and the overall values were statistically significantly different between the different salivary glands (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: According to fractal analysis, there was no change in the parenchyma of the submandibular and parotid glands despite the stimulation. Submandibular and parotid glands could be distinguished by fractal analysis.

PMID:40014279 | DOI:10.1007/s11282-025-00811-8

Sleep Breath. 2025 Feb 27;29(1):114. doi: 10.1007/s11325-025-03271-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The rising rates of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and frailty among older adults are linked to higher mortality rates. Depression merges as a critical determinant associated with both OSA and frailty. This study investigates the impact of depression on the risk of developing frailty in older adults diagnosed with OSA.

METHOD: Data from 1,021 older adults diagnosed with OSA were analyzed. Participants were stratified into two groups based on their scores on the 12-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-12) to evaluate differences in frailty incidence over time.

RESULT: Depression was identified in 113 patients (11.0%). Frailty developed in 276 patients during the median 52-month follow-up. The multivariate analysis indicated a significant link between depression and increased frailty risk (aHR = 2.65; 95% CI: 2.01-3.05; P < 0.001). Further subgroup analyses indicated that patients with moderate-to-severe OSA (aHR = 3.01; 95% CI: 2.20-4.10; P < 0.001) who also experienced depression faced a particularly heightened risk of frailty.

CONCLUSION: Depression is prevalent among older adults with OSA and constitutes an independent risk factor for frailty development. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing depression in this population to mitigate frailty risk.

PMID:40014277 | DOI:10.1007/s11325-025-03271-w

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2025 Feb 27. doi: 10.1007/s12011-025-04559-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Trace elements (TE) function as essential micronutrients involved in the biochemical and physiological processes of the human body. We evaluated the baseline serum concentrations of TE as a predictor of clinical outcomes in critically ill trauma patients and monitored the concentrations of TE during the patients intensive care unit (ICU) stay. A total of 89 patients were enrolled. Within the first 24 h of patients’ admission, concentrations of TE, zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) were measured and monitored on the 5th and 10th day of patients ICU stay. The concentrations of Zn, Se, Cu and Mn were determined from serum using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, whereas the concentration of Fe using the photometric method. ANOVA and logistic regression analyses were used for statistical analysis with the level of significance set at 0.05. At the time of ICU admission, deficiency of Cu was observed in 11 out of 89 (0.13), Zn in 82 (0.92), Se in 5 (0.06) and Fe in 52 (0.58) patients, while excess of Mn was detected in 27 (0.30) and Cu in 3 (0.03) patients. A significant increase of Zn and Cu concentrations was observed from admission to 10th day (P < 0.001 for both), although Zn concentrations did not reach the lower limit of the reference interval. Logistic regression analysis found that only a low concentration of Zn at admission was associated with mechanical ventilation (OR = 0.78; 95%CI: 0.64-0.96; P = 0.018). Furthermore, the concentrations of TE at admission in critically ill trauma patients did not have an impact on the overall length of the ICU and hospital stay, nor on mortality.

PMID:40014249 | DOI:10.1007/s12011-025-04559-4

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2025 Feb 27. doi: 10.1007/s11356-025-36171-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Ensuring accurate detection and attribution of abnormal releases of radioactive material is critical for protecting human health and safety. Most commonly, such detection is accomplished via active monitoring approaches involving the collection of physical samples. This is labor intensive and limits the temporal and spatial resolution of any detected events to a relatively coarse level. As an alternative first step towards passive monitoring, we developed an approach using eddy flux tower data records to identify signals from a known abnormal release and quantify the extent to which that signal also occurs at other times in the data record. Through two case studies, one of which targeted the Fukushima nuclear disaster and the other targeting an abnormal release event at a radioisotope production facility in Fleurus, Belgium, we tested our approach and identified several potential heretofore unidentified abnormal events that were consistent with atmospheric circulation patterns and/or wind direction from known release sites. Because our approach is relatively simple and is resistant to systematic errors in the observational record, it has broad applicability beyond specific constituents and ecosystem types to identify a wide variety of limited-duration anomalies in flux tower data to ensure human health and industrial safety.

PMID:40014241 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-025-36171-3

Obes Surg. 2025 Feb 27. doi: 10.1007/s11695-025-07747-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a multifaceted problem for global healthcare, influenced by socioeconomic factors. Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment where less invasive management has been unsuccessful. The impact of socioeconomic deprivation on surgical outcomes is a novel area of research. The present study aims to investigate the effect of socioeconomic deprivation on bariatric surgery outcomes.

METHODS: Data was prospectively collected at a regional bariatric centre in Scotland. The study included patients who received either a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) or Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) (2008-2022). Follow-up occurred postoperatively at 6 months, 1 year and annually thereafter. Socioeconomic deprivation was measured using the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) using residential postcodes to generate a deprivation quintile (Q1-5). The primary outcome was percentage total weight loss (%TWL). Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications, comorbidity status, nutritional status, length of stay and re-admissions. Grouped analysis was conducted to represent a more deprived group (Q1-3) and a less deprived group (Q4-5). Statistical analysis was carried out of the data. The study was carried out using the STROBE principles.

RESULTS: 316 patients were included (median follow-up, 7 years; median %TWL, 23.8%). There was no significant difference in median %TWL (p = 0.528), short-term (p = 0.619) or long-term (p = 0.164) complications and resolution (p = 0.472), improvement (p = 0.282) or exacerbation of comorbidities (p = 0.717) between socioeconomic quintiles.

CONCLUSION: Socioeconomic deprivation does not limit bariatric surgery outcomes and should not be a barrier to surgery.

PMID:40014237 | DOI:10.1007/s11695-025-07747-2

Trop Anim Health Prod. 2025 Feb 27;57(2):84. doi: 10.1007/s11250-025-04332-8.

ABSTRACT

The Patanwadi sheep breed, an indigenous species from Gujarat, India, is primarily reared for wool, mutton, and household milk production. Patanwadi wool attracts lower prices mainly because of its coarseness. However, complete wool profiling of Patanwadi sheep has remained unknown to date. This study comprehensively analyzes clean fiber (scouring) yield, morphology, elements, and physico-mechanical properties of Patanwadi wool. The physico-mechanical properties determined include fiber diameter, staple length, crimp per centimeter, color, bundle strength, elongation, and modulus. Scanning electron microscopy analysis reveals distinct fiber scale morphology, with sharper scales in male sheep wool compared to female counterparts. Additionally, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis confirmed the presence of sulfur and trace levels of calcium within Patanwadi wool fibers. Results indicate a statistically significant effect (P < 0.05) of animal sex on the physico-mechanical parameters, including elongation, modulus, moisture content, and moisture regain. Given its coarse nature and high medullation, Patanwadi wool is less suited for fine apparel but holds promise as an insulation material and in other innovative coarse wool applications. This research broadens the utility of Patanwadi coarse wool for value-added practical end uses, ensuring sustainability and yielding better realization of the wool.

PMID:40014190 | DOI:10.1007/s11250-025-04332-8

CVIR Endovasc. 2025 Feb 27;8(1):16. doi: 10.1186/s42155-025-00530-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The venous uptake following the application of Everolimus-coated balloons is under reported. We evaluated the feasibility, safety, and Everolimus (EVR) deliverability of a novel non-commercially available Everolimus-Coated Balloon (ECB) catheter in a swine healthy peripheral vein model.

METHODS: In total 12 ECBs (5.0 μg/mm²) were inflated in 12 venous segments. The primary feasibility endpoint was the successful application of the ECB at the target venous sites. The primary efficacy endpoint was the successful drug uptake by the target venous tissue at 24 h and 7 days, assessed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry. The primary safety endpoint was freedom from major adverse events.

RESULTS: Everolimus was detected in 10 out of 12 (83.33%) tissue samples (all six tissue samples at 24 h post-intervention and in four out of six samples at 7 days). The mean weight of the examined tissue was 0.20604 ± 0.29822 g (range: 0.37475-0.02229 g). The average EVR tissue content detected at 24 h (135.67 ± 204.95 μg/g) was numerically superior, but non-statistically significant to the that detected 7 days post-procedure (96.85 ± 110.89 μg/g). The average quantity of EVR on the balloon after retrieval was 33.9% of the initial drug dose. No adverse events were recorded, and no abnormalities were noted during autopsy.

CONCLUSIONS: The newly developed ECB successfully delivered Everolimus within the healthy venous wall. No adverse events were noted at a short-term follow-up.

RELEVANCE STATEMENT: These safety and feasibility results justify further experimental and clinical research to demonstrate the safety efficacy the specific balloon catheter.

PMID:40014181 | DOI:10.1186/s42155-025-00530-5

Trop Anim Health Prod. 2025 Feb 27;57(2):83. doi: 10.1007/s11250-025-04358-y.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to quantify the carbon footprint (CF) from Fleckvieh cattle production systems in the Amazon region of Peru. Ten farms distributed across four provinces: Chachapoyas (System I; n = 2), Bongara (System II; n = 4), Rodriguez de Mendoza (System III; n = 2), and Utcubamba (System IV; n = 2) were assessed. Parameters such as average live weight, animal units (AU), dry matter intake, fat and protein-corrected milk (FPCM), digestibility, and protein content of consumed forage were analyzed. CF was calculated using the 2019 Refinement to 2006 IPCC guidelines. The database was analyzed using analysis of variance and Duncan’s statistical test (p < 0.05) to compare the systems. A Pearson correlation was carried out to observe the variables association level. Results revealed a CF of 2.50, 2.70 and 2.65 kg CO₂eq/kg FPCM by biophysical allocation, according to Global Warming Potential 2007, 2014 and 2021, respectively. Enteric methane (82.6%) and nitrous oxide from manure management (17.2%) were the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Positive correlations were found between methane and nitrous oxide emissions whit total FPCM (r = 0.94), total AU (r = 0.99), and low-producing animals (r = 0.96). System I exhibited the lowest enteric methane emissions, suggesting better livestock and feed management. The study highlights the need to optimize herd composition, increase production levels, and reduce low-producing animals to mitigate CF. Additionally, improving forage quality (increasing the digestibility) enhances milk production, securing the economic well-being of smallholder farmers and agricultural sustainability in the Amazon region.

PMID:40014177 | DOI:10.1007/s11250-025-04358-y