Category: Nevin Manimala

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2025 Sep 16. doi: 10.1111/nyas.70091. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Deep coal seams offer considerable potential for simultaneous carbon sequestration and methane extraction. When injected into reservoirs, such as coal seams, CO₂ transitions into a supercritical state (supercritical CO₂ or Sc-CO₂), altering the internal structure and mechanical properties of coal. This study investigates the effects of the Sc-CO₂ soaking duration on coal strength via triaxial compression tests. The strength and elastic modulus of coal both decreased with increasing Sc-CO₂ soaking time, and the most prominent reduction occurs within the initial 1 day. A constitutive model is developed to characterize the mechanical properties of coal. This model simultaneously incorporates the degradation of the elastic modulus of coal owing to Sc-CO₂ exposure and the failure evolution based on a Weibull statistical distribution of microelement strength. This model successfully reproduces the stress-strain responses for different treatment durations, exhibiting high consistency with the experimental data. Sc-CO₂ damages the pore structure of coal through coupled physicochemical interactions, progressively deteriorating the macroscopic mechanical properties of coal. These findings provide valuable insights into the evolution of the mechanical properties of coal during carbon sequestration and aid the assessment of the long-term stability of CO₂-sequestered coal seams.

PMID:40956911 | DOI:10.1111/nyas.70091

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2025 Sep 16. doi: 10.1111/nyas.70063. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Crossmodal associations-spontaneous links between sensory modalities-are widely observed in humans. Similar associations have also been found in chimpanzees, monkeys, dogs, chickens, and tortoises, suggesting a shared cognitive strategy based on environmental correlations or a similar nervous system architecture. Alternatively, or complementarily, these associations may arise from learned, species-specific occurrences. Humans and chimpanzees, for instance, pair higher-pitched sounds with white shapes and lower-pitched sounds with black shapes, while baboons and chickens show no preference. Here, we provide novel evidence of pitch-luminance association in a nonvocal reptile, the Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni). We studied tortoises in a spontaneous food-searching task. After hearing a relative higher-pitched (700 Hz) versus lower-pitched (450 Hz) sound, animals could choose to search for food behind either a light- or dark-colored wall. Tortoises consistently preferred the white wall with higher-pitch sounds and the black wall with lower-pitch sounds, resembling spontaneous associations seen in humans and chimpanzees. Evidence of pitch-luminance association in tortoises suggests that phylogenetically distant species may share similar perceptual organization or internalize similar statistical regularities, shifting the question toward whether such associations reflect homology or convergent evolution.

PMID:40956910 | DOI:10.1111/nyas.70063

Hand (N Y). 2025 Sep 16:15589447251369032. doi: 10.1177/15589447251369032. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The flexor digitorum superficialis of the little finger (FDS-small) exhibits anatomical variation, with absence reported in 2% to 30% of individuals. As FDS is the only flexor of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ), its absence may affect finger dexterity, particularly in professional musicians who depend on precise finger control. This study evaluates the impact of FDS-small presence or absence on the technical abilities of pianists and string musicians using novel dynamic assessment tools.

METHODS: Thirty-one Bachelor of Music students (21 string players, 10 pianists) were assessed for FDS-small function and classified as “independent,” “common,” or “absent.” Tests included grip strength, static gap, and stretch tests, and a novel assessment method comprising custom-composed double-stop trill etudes for piano and strings. Technical performance was evaluated by 2 professional musicians using predefined criteria. Statistical analyses were conducted using Fisher’s exact tests, t tests, analysis of variance, and nonparametric equivalents.

RESULTS: Ten participants had absent FDS-small function in at least 1 hand. Pianists with bilateral absent FDS-small demonstrated superior coordination and regularity compared with those with FDS-small presence, while FDS-small absence did not significantly affect string players. Female pianists excelled in dynamic tests despite male musicians’ higher grip strength and trill speed.

CONCLUSION: Absence of FDS-small does not impair, and may even enhance, fine motor performance in pianists. For string musicians, FDS-small status does not influence technique. These findings may contribute to evaluating the risk versus benefits of FDS-small surgical repair and have implications for instrument selection and pedagogy.

PMID:40956901 | DOI:10.1177/15589447251369032

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2025 Sep 23;122(38):e2507580122. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2507580122. Epub 2025 Sep 16.

ABSTRACT

Recent discovery of “extreme clustering” of inertial particles in isotropic turbulent flow suggests a hidden mechanism of particle-particle interaction at sub-Kolmogorov separations unexplained by hydrodynamic interaction. The near-contact radial distribution function (RDF) reaches [Formula: see text], resulting in a collision kernel four orders larger than direct numerical simulation predictions. Statistical stationarity is lost in the particle-laden turbulence, suggesting the particles experience a nonequilibrium process. We hypothesize dielectric particles in isotropic turbulence experience contact electrification through interparticle collisions, creating inhomogeneous mosaic surface charge. These mosaic charges lead to attractive forces and thereby extreme clustering and collision amplification, forming a positive feedback loop. To explore this potential mechanism, we investigated hollow glass spheres dispersed in a high-Reynolds-number homogeneous isotropic air turbulence chamber using high-resolution 3D particle tracking velocimetry and Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM). We measured RDF, particle-pair mean-inward radial relative velocity, and mean radial relative acceleration (RA) with time up to 10 min. We sampled particles from the flow chamber through time and evaluated their nanoscopic charge distribution using KPFM. We found that both RDF and mosaic surface charge increase with time; RA at close separations is attractive, intensifies as particles approach, and grows in time; and the turbulence-exposed RA curves collapse when nondimensionalized by the dipole-dipole acceleration calculated from mosaic charge distributions. These results support the proposed mechanism-Inhomogeneous Mosaic Potential Amplified Collisions in Turbulence (IMPACT). Better understanding and modeling of these effects could improve predictions for air pollution, weather patterns, and drug manufacturing-where particle interactions have big impacts.

PMID:40956889 | DOI:10.1073/pnas.2507580122

Work. 2025 Sep 16:10519815251370593. doi: 10.1177/10519815251370593. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BackgroundA lack of attention to hand and food hygiene may result in food workers to absent themselves from their duties. In such a case, the probability of an outbreak can be mitigated by halting the contact of infected individuals with foodstuffs during the food processing phase.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine the regulatory role of job satisfaction in the effect of fear of disease transmission on hand and food hygiene attitudes among café workers.MethodsThe study sample comprises 677 café employees. The data collection tools employed in the study were the Disease Contagion/Transmission Scale, the Hand and Food Hygiene Attitude Scale, and the Minnesota Job Satisfaction Scale. Hayes’s (2018) Process Macro was utilized to examine the regulatory effect, and Model 1 was selected. The relationships between the measurement tools utilized in the study were interpreted with the assistance of Pearson correlation analysis. For statistical significance, p < .05 was preferred.ResultsThe findings indicate that job satisfaction plays a regulatory role in the effect of fear of disease contagion/transmission on hand and food hygiene attitudes. Individuals with high levels of job satisfaction and fear of disease contagion/transmission demonstrate higher hand and food hygiene attitudes. Upon analysis of the regression results, it was determined that job satisfaction has a positive and significant effect on food hygiene attitudes.ConclusionsThe findings of this study indicate that enhancing job satisfaction is a key factor in fostering positive outcomes with regard to food hygiene attitudes.

PMID:40956873 | DOI:10.1177/10519815251370593

Wilderness Environ Med. 2025 Sep 16:10806032251376313. doi: 10.1177/10806032251376313. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

IntroductionHeadache is a hallmark symptom of chronic mountain sickness (CMS), a high altitude disease thought to be induced by excessive erythrocytosis (EE) in highlanders. Nevertheless, headache characteristics related to permanent high altitude residence remain understudied, as does the association between headache occurrence and hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]) in highlanders.MethodsA pilot cross-sectional study was conducted in La Rinconada, Peru (altitude 5100 m), over a 2-y period. During all comers’ medical consultations, highlanders with no known history of chronic medical conditions (except EE/CMS) were questioned regarding headache symptoms. Headache characteristics were collected as well as clinical data and [Hb].ResultsHeadache prevalence was 61% (200 of 330 highlanders). Clinical characteristics of headache attacks (ie, location, onset, intensity, quality, and duration) were similar between highlanders with and without EE. In multivariate analysis, headache occurrence was associated with lower oxygen saturation (P<0.001), higher body mass index (P<0.001), and lower self-reported sleep duration (P<0.001) but not with [Hb] or sex.ConclusionsThe absence of a statistically significant association between headache occurrence and [Hb] questions the use of headache as a symptom reflecting EE in CMS highlanders.

PMID:40956868 | DOI:10.1177/10806032251376313

Med Care. 2025 Jun;63(6):436-442. doi: 10.1097/MLR.0000000000002143.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Veteran enrollment and health care utilization within the United States Veterans Health Administration (VHA) remains uncertain.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate drivers of enrollment and utilization of health care services at VHA with an emphasis on differences before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: We included 14,107,785 Veterans from the US Veterans Eligibility Trends and Statistics (USVETS) FY2017-2021 annual datasets in a repeat cross-sectional design. We assessed the adjusted incidence of VHA enrollment, and the probability of utilizing VHA health care by fiscal year among social determinants of health, including number of children, attained education, income, marital status, household size, and rurality of residence.

RESULTS: Contrary to prepandemic years, Veterans with adverse or negative social determinants of health that can lead to poor health (eg, lower income and lower attained education) were less likely than other groups to enroll in FY2021. However, among those enrolled, the probability of using VHA health care service increased by (1%-2%) in FY2021 across all social determinants of health. The largest increases in the probability of VHA health care use were among Veterans with higher income, higher education, and those living in urban areas.

CONCLUSIONS: Veterans with adverse social determinants of health, that could lead to poor health, showed decreased VHA enrollment during FY2021. During the same time period, the largest utilization increases occurred among Veterans facing fewer adverse social determinants of health, highlighting nuanced socioeconomic dynamics and need for dedicated programs to ensure equitable care and access during significant societal disruptions.

PMID:40956598 | DOI:10.1097/MLR.0000000000002143

Epilepsia Open. 2025 Sep 16. doi: 10.1002/epi4.70148. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study explored the most prevalent misconceptions about epilepsy among Sudanese individuals, focusing on knowledge, attitude, and practices in Sudan.

METHODS: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in the safe areas in Sudan due to the war from October 15 to November 30, 2024. A validated questionnaire, adapted from a previous study with cultural modifications, was administered both through face-to-face interviews and online platforms. Data were analyzed using R software, employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.

RESULTS: Out of 3525 participants, 98.8% reported having heard of epilepsy. Nonetheless, 56.7% believed it could be caused by genetic factors, 14.1% viewed it as a contagious disease, 37.8% attributed it to witchcraft, and 17.7% considered it a punishment from God. In terms of attitudes, 54.7% believed epilepsy prevents individuals from living a happy life, 17.2% saw it as an obstacle to marriage, 56.9% thought it negatively impacts education, 26.1% viewed it as a barrier to employment, and 74% felt that society discriminates against those with epilepsy. As for practices, 47.6% regarded spiritual healing (ruqya) as effective, while 72.3% recommended consulting a doctor during seizures. Additionally, 49.7% expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of traditional medical treatment for epilepsy.

SIGNIFICANCE: This study highlights considerable gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to epilepsy in Sudan. While many participants acknowledged genetic causes and endorsed the social inclusion of people with epilepsy (PWE), misconceptions-such as beliefs in contagion and supernatural causes-persist. Moreover, stigma and discrimination continue to pose significant challenges. Focused educational campaigns and public health interventions are essential to correct misconceptions, reduce stigma, and promote accurate, evidence-based awareness of epilepsy across Sudanese communities.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: This study among 3525 Sudanese adults assessed the most prevalent misconceptions about epilepsy by measuring their knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to the condition. Slightly more than half believed it could be inherited, about a third linked it to witchcraft, and some saw it as a punishment from God. Many participants also thought epilepsy prevents people from living happily, while others viewed it as an obstacle to marriage, education, and employment, with most recognizing discrimination in society. In terms of practice, almost half trusted spiritual healing, but most advised consulting a doctor, showing the need for education to reduce stigma and improve awareness.

PMID:40956593 | DOI:10.1002/epi4.70148

JAMA Netw Open. 2025 Sep 2;8(9):e2532020. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.32020.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Studies evaluating integrated pediatric behavioral health care using electronic medical record data are limited.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of receipt of integrated behavioral health services with changes in psychosocial symptoms among children receiving care at federally qualified health centers with behavioral health integration.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cohort study used electronic medical record data (June 2020 to April 2023) from children aged 4 to 18 years with an identified behavioral health concern at 4 Massachusetts federally qualified health centers with integrated behavioral health care. Data were analyzed in October 2024.

EXPOSURES: Receipt of integrated behavioral health services, categorized into 3 treatment groups: (1) receipt of behavioral health clinician (BHC) encounters, (2) community health worker encounters, and (3) psychotropic prescriptions. The control group included similar children who did not receive any of these treatments.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was psychosocial symptom score based on the 17-item Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC-17). After applying propensity scores to match children receiving treatment and control groups on their baseline characteristics, associations of receiving a treatment with psychosocial symptoms were estimated by comparing scores before vs after treatment using linear regression models.

RESULTS: Of 942 unique children, 542 (57.5%) received any type of treatment and 400 (42.5%) were in the control group. Children with a BHC encounter and children without any treatment had similar baseline characteristics (female sex: 206 children [58.7%] vs 204 children [56.7%]; mean [SD] age, 11.8 [3.5] vs 11.7 [3.4] years). After having at least 1 encounter with a BHC, PSC-17 scores among children in the treatment group were 1.51 (95% CI, -2.65 to -0.37) points lower compared with the control group. After receiving a psychotropic prescription, PSC-17 scores among children in the treatment group were 2.21 (95% CI, -3.89 to -0.54) points lower compared with the control group. No statistically significant changes were observed among children with at least 1 community health worker encounter (-0.53 points; 95% CI, -1.86 to 0.80 points).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this cohort study of children at federally qualified health centers implementing behavioral health integration, receipt of encounters with BHCs and psychotropic prescriptions were associated with improved psychosocial symptoms, suggesting that expanding integrated pediatric behavioral health care might enhance behavioral health outcomes among marginalized pediatric populations.

PMID:40956583 | DOI:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.32020

JAMA Netw Open. 2025 Sep 2;8(9):e2532100. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.32100.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery. Understanding utilization patterns and disparities in access is important to ensure that patients can explore all treatment options.

OBJECTIVE: To examine trends in the use of UFE vs hysterectomy and myomectomy for uterine fibroid management, with an emphasis on sociodemographic and institutional disparities.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cross-sectional analysis used data from the 2016 to 2022 National Inpatient Sample obtained from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, a population-based, multicenter inpatient dataset representing hospitals across the US. Adult patients with a diagnosis of uterine fibroids who underwent hysterectomy, myomectomy, or UFE were identified using International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Analysis was conducted in April 2025.

EXPOSURE: Patient age, race, ethnicity, insurance, income quartile, rurality, year of procedure, and hospital characteristics.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was undergoing UFE, modeled using multivariable logistic regression, with hysterectomy, myomectomy, or surgery overall as reference groups. The covariate reference categories were age younger than 30 years, White race, private insurance, 76th to 100th income percentile, central metropolitan residence, the year 2016, small hospitals, rural hospitals, and hospitals in the Pacific division. Results were reported as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% CIs.

RESULTS: The sample encompassed 271 885 encounters, including 199 625 hysterectomies (73.4%), 62 675 myomectomies (23.1%), and 9585 UFEs (3.5%). The median (IQR) patient age was 47 (43-52) years for those undergoing hysterectomy, 45 (40-49) years for those undergoing UFE, and 37 (33-41) years for those undergoing myomectomy. With regard to race and ethnicity, 105 780 patients (38.9%) were African American, 16 175 (5.9%) were Asian or Pacific Islander, 48 810 (18.0%) were Hispanic, 1050 (0.4%) were Native American, 86 425 were White (31.8%), and 13 645 (5.0%) were other races. Increasing age was associated with lower odds of undergoing UFE vs hysterectomy, and higher odds of undergoing UFE vs myomectomy. African American patients were more likely to undergo UFE than hysterectomy (aOR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.44-1.87), but less likely to undergo UFE than myomectomy (aOR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.73-0.97). Hispanic patients were less likely to undergo UFE than both surgical procedures (aOR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.71-0.97). Patients with Medicaid (aOR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.41-1.77), self-pay (aOR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.60-2.42), and no-charge (aOR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.24-3.12) coverage had higher odds of undergoing UFE vs both surgical procedures. Among Medicare patients, UFE was more likely than myomectomy among those aged 30 to 49 years, but less likely among those aged 50 years and older. Those in the lowest income quartile (0-25th percentile) had greater odds of undergoing UFE vs myomectomy (aOR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.04-1.43). Rural patients were less likely to undergo UFE than hysterectomy (aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.34-0.83), whereas urban hospitals were more likely to perform UFE than both surgical procedures (aOR, 7.13; 95% CI, 3.43-14.80).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this cross-sectional study, UFE was underutilized with significant disparities across socioeconomic factors. Further efforts are needed to equitably expand access to UFE across the country.

PMID:40956582 | DOI:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.32100