Category: Nevin Manimala

Korean J Community Nutr. 2024 Aug;29(4):278-287. doi: 10.5720/kjcn.2024.00002. Epub 2024 Aug 31.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the relationship between smartphone usage and eating behavior among elementary school students.

METHODS: This survey was conducted on 4th- to 6th-grade students at elementary schools in Gangneung from September 6th to September 15th, 2023. Of the 129 copies of the questionnaire that were distributed to 5 schools, 66 copies (51.2%) were returned.

RESULTS: Compared to the nationwide statistics, the smartphone ownership rate of elementary school students in Gangneung was lower, but the rate of smartphone overdependence was higher. Smartphone dependence was 21.12 points for study subjects and 26.00 points for the overdependence risk group (Org). Compared to national statistics, the self-control failure factor was higher, so elementary school students in Gangneung City are thought to have great difficulty with self-control. The Org’s weekend smartphone use time of 7.54 hours was significantly more than the general user group (Gug)’s 4.06 hours. The number of days in which the Org consumed late-night snacks per week was 2.92 days, and the Gug had 2.15 days, but the difference was not significant. Eating fast food showed a positive correlation with eating sweet food, eating fatty food, and eating heavily seasoned food. It was found that frequent consumption of fast food is closely correlated with unhealthy eating behavior. Weekend smartphone use time showed a significant positive correlation with smartphone dependence and the number of days late-night snacks consumed per week.

CONCLUSIONS: Elementary school students in Gangneung are more dependent on smartphones than national statistics. Smartphone dependence had a negative correlation with healthy eating behavior and a correlation with average unhealthy eating behavior.

PMID:41031340 | PMC:PMC12269017 | DOI:10.5720/kjcn.2024.00002

Korean J Community Nutr. 2024 Aug;29(4):318-335. doi: 10.5720/kjcn.2024.00007. Epub 2024 Aug 31.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Despite the growing market share of online grocery shopping, there is a need to understand customer perceived value due to the ongoing advancements in information technology. This study explores the connections between attributes, consequences, and values. Additionally, it conducts a cross-country comparison of consumers’ online grocery shopping behaviors to gain a deeper understanding of consumer market segments and any potential variations among them.

METHODS: Data was collected through an online questionnaire survey conducted from May 1 to 15, 2024, targeting 400 consumers in Seoul, Korea, and Shanghai, China, who have experience with online grocery shopping. The survey utilized the Means-End Chain theory and association pattern technique hard laddering. Data collation and analysis were conducted using the IBM SPSS Statistics 28.0 program. The LadderUX software was employed to analyze the links between attributes, consequences, and values and create the consumer purchasing process’s implication matrix and hierarchical value map (HVM).

RESULTS: The study identified key attributes that influence online grocery shopping decisions, including delivery service, price, freshness, and quality. Korean consumers demonstrated a higher sensitivity to price (19.0%) and delivery service (17.0%). In contrast, Chinese consumers prioritized delivery service (15.0%) and after-sales service (14.8%). Commonly cited consequences included time saving (12.6% for Koreans, 11.3% for Chinese), whereas prevalent values encompassed convenience (36.8% for Koreans, 19.6% for Chinese) and economic value (26.6% for Koreans, 14.7% for Chinese). The HVM underscored these insights, highlighting diverse consumer preferences and country-specific nuances.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the current state of online food consumption and consumers’ value systems, revealing variations among countries. These findings offer empirical insights that can be used to create customized global marketing strategies that resonate with various consumer preferences and market dynamics.

PMID:41031339 | PMC:PMC12269032 | DOI:10.5720/kjcn.2024.00007

Int J Womens Health. 2025 Sep 25;17:3271-3278. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S539135. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Modified Hupo San on reproductive hormone levels and microcirculation in patients with menstrual disorders of cold congelation and blood stasis pattern.

METHODS: A total of 102 patients from the gynecological outpatient department of our hospital were randomly assigned into a control group (n=51) and a study group (n=51). Randomization was performed using a computer-generated random number table The study group was treated with Modified Hupo San for 3 cycles, while the control group received routine therapy. Blood samples were collected on the 2nd day of menstruation before treatment and again on the 2nd day of the 4th cycle. Serum levels of TXB2, 6-keto-PGF1α, t-PA, PAI-1, estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P) were measured. Safety monitoring was performed throughout the study. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 22.0, with t-tests and chi-square tests applied, and P<0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: The total effective rate of Modified Hupo San in treating menstrual disorders of cold congelation and blood stasis pattern was 96.30%. Compared with baseline, serum TXB2 and PAI-1 levels significantly decreased, while 6-keto-PGF1α, t-PA, and t-PA/PAI-1 ratio significantly increased after treatment in the study group. E2 levels significantly increased after treatment, and were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Progesterone showed no significant difference.

CONCLUSION: Modified Hupo San demonstrated significant therapeutic effects in improving reproductive hormones and regulating microcirculation in patients with menstrual disorders of cold congelation and blood stasis pattern, with good safety.

PMID:41031333 | PMC:PMC12478210 | DOI:10.2147/IJWH.S539135

J Clin Imaging Sci. 2025 Sep 18;15:34. doi: 10.25259/JCIS_36_2025. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Sample size is an essential step in any research study because it directly affects precision and statistical power. This article describes the main factors that determine the number of observations needed (power of a hypothesis test, significance criterion, minimum expected difference, variability, and asymmetry of the hypothesis test) and techniques for minimizing these factors. Our paper clearly presents examples of sample size calculations in radiology related to descriptive (mean and proportion) and comparative (two means, two proportions, intraclass correlations, and analysis of variance) studies. These examples are solved both manually and computationally using free R-based software.

PMID:41031314 | PMC:PMC12477981 | DOI:10.25259/JCIS_36_2025

J Clin Imaging Sci. 2025 Aug 22;15:31. doi: 10.25259/JCIS_142_2024. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study is to assess the utility of the perivascular space diffusion tensor imaging – along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index in evaluating the activity of the brain glymphatic system in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cognitive impairment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 40 T2DM patients with cognitive impairment and 40 healthy controls (HCs). All participants underwent DTI, and the DTI-ALPS index was calculated based on relevant DTI parameters. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26.0, with significance set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS: The DTI-ALPS index in T2DM patients with cognitive impairment were significantly lower than that of the HCs. A significant negative correlation was observed between the DTI-ALPS index and glycated hemoglobin levels, while positive correlations were found with vitamin D, Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.

CONCLUSION: This study confirms glymphatic dysfunction in T2DM patients with cognitive impairment, as indicated by the reduced DTI-ALPS index. Furthermore, it demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing the DTI-ALPS method to assess glymphatic system activity in this patient population.

PMID:41031311 | PMC:PMC12477971 | DOI:10.25259/JCIS_142_2024

Front Plant Sci. 2025 Sep 15;16:1661602. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2025.1661602. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Bacterial blight of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae (Xap), is a major constraint to pomegranate production and fruit quality. Effective management strategies are essential to mitigate yield losses and orchard decline.

METHODS: Field experiments were conducted over three consecutive seasons to evaluate the efficacy of six bactericides applied at 15-day intervals (April-July) on three pomegranate cultivars such that, Sindhuri, Kalehar, and Sava using a randomized complete block design. Treatments included copper oxychloride (3000 ppm) combined with streptocycline (500 ppm) (T7) alongside other bactericides. Disease incidence, severity, marketable yield, fruit weight, aril quality, and biochemical parameters were recorded and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS: The T7 treatment proved most effective, significantly reducing bacterial blight intensity. In the Sindhuri cultivar, mean disease incidence was lowest on leaves (3.51%), fruits (3.88%), twigs (0.58%), and trees (3.59%). Disease severity values were similarly minimized, with the highest mean disease reduction observed on leaves (77.63%), fruits (79.76%), twigs (76.10%), and whole trees (76.90%). T7 also improved productivity, with marketable yield (89.60 kg), fruit weight (245 g), and hundred-aril weight (43.30 g), while enhancing biochemical traits such as TSS (17.90 °Brix), vitamin C (36.50 mg/100 mL), antioxidants (86.40% inhibition), and enzymatic activities (CAT: 21.30 U/mg protein; POD: 1.35 U/mg protein).

DISCUSSION: Among the cultivars, Sindhuri displayed the highest resistance, followed by Kalehar and Sava. The copper-streptocycline combination not only suppressed bacterial blight but also enhanced fruit yield, quality, and biochemical composition. These findings demonstrate the potential of optimized bactericide application in sustaining pomegranate productivity and reducing orchard losses due to Xap.

PMID:41031294 | PMC:PMC12477149 | DOI:10.3389/fpls.2025.1661602

Biomed Res Int. 2025 Sep 22;2025:6321439. doi: 10.1155/bmri/6321439. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Background: In Ethiopia, there is a high prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) and anemia, yet there is limited empirical evidence on the potential link between these two public health problems. This study was aimed at investigating the potential association between IPV and anemia among Ethiopian women aged 15-49 years old. Methods: We used secondary data from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). All women who participated in the domestic violence module of the EDHS were studied. The exposure variable was the experience of physical, sexual, or emotional violence, as well as controlling behaviors, perpetrated by a current or former partner. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin level of < 11.0 g/dL for pregnant women and < 12.0 g/dL for nonpregnant women. Multilevel binomial logistic regression models, which accounted for EDHS’s hierarchical data structure and adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, and fertility-related factors, were applied. Results: Among the 4265 individuals included in the analysis, 1081 (25.4%) women had anemia. Notably, 64.1% of women have experienced at least one form of IPV, while 13.1% have experienced multiple forms of IPV. Significant associations were observed between IPV and anemia (adjusted odds ratio [AORs] 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-1.78). Furthermore, the odds of anemia were 1.6 times higher (AOR 1.61, 95% CI: 1.26-2.06) among women who had experienced multiple acts of IPV compared to those who had experienced none. Conclusion: The association between IPV and anemia suggests the importance of integrating IPV screening tools and intervention strategies into women’s nutrition programs.

PMID:41031267 | PMC:PMC12451215 | DOI:10.1155/bmri/6321439

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