Category: Nevin Manimala

PLoS One. 2023 Jun 29;18(6):e0287286. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287286. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

In today’s society, citizens’ ecological literacy (ecoliteracy) is critical for their understanding of sustainable development. This study used a questionnaire designed to quantitatively assess ecoliteracy from a linguistic ecology perspective. First, an underlying mechanism model for ecoliteracy was designed based on the results of previous studies. Then, the ecoliteracy level assessment scores of Guiyang inhabitants were combined with the respondents’ corresponding lifestyle characteristics to explore the effectiveness of interventions in affecting the participants’ ecoliteracy levels. The results showed that the formation and development of ecoliteracy is a dynamic and circular process that revolves around variables of independent, dependent, mediating, moderating and control. The various factors in the model interact and operate evenly along a particular path. As for the level of lifestyle characteristics, participants’ ecoliteracy levels had a statistically significant relationship with their attitudes regarding the importance of nature, participating in outdoor activities, and improving their ecoliteracy levels; as well as the frequencies regarding daily outdoor activity, the main activities in ecological areas, participation in volunteer activities, and use of ecological knowledge. The respondents with the highest levels of ecoliteracy had the most positive attitudes and engaged in ecological actions with the highest frequency. The lifestyle intervention features here are of great significance to the harmonious coexistence between humans and the natural environment and are also helpful for improving human health.

PMID:37384656 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0287286

PLoS One. 2023 Jun 29;18(6):e0288054. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288054. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Lateral temporal lobe epilepsy (LTLE) has been diagnosed in only a small number of patients; therefore, its surgical outcome is not as well-known as that of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. We aimed to evaluate the long-term (5 years) and short-term (2 years) surgical outcomes and identify possible prognostic factors in patients with LTLE.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 1995 and December 2018 among patients who underwent resective surgery in a university-affiliated hospital. Patients were classified as LTLE if ictal onset zone was in lateral temporal area. Surgical outcomes were evaluated at 2 and 5 years. We subdivided based on outcomes and compared clinical and neuroimaging data including cortical thickness between two groups.

RESULTS: Sixty-four patients were included in the study. The mean follow-up duration after the surgery was 8.4 years. Five years after surgery, 45 of the 63 (71.4%) patients achieved seizure freedom. Clinically and statistically significant prognostic factors for postsurgical outcomes were the duration of epilepsy before surgery and focal cortical dysplasia on postoperative histopathology at the 5-year follow-up. Optimal cut-off point for epilepsy duration was eight years after the seizure onset (odds ratio 4.375, p-value = 0.0214). Furthermore, we propose a model for predicting seizure outcomes 5 years after surgery using the receiver operating characteristic curve and nomogram (area under the curve = 0.733; 95% confidence interval, 0.588-0.879). Cortical thinning was observed in ipsilateral cingulate gyrus and contralateral parietal lobe in poor surgical group compared to good surgical group (p-value < 0.01, uncorrected).

CONCLUSIONS: The identified predictors of unfavorable surgical outcomes may help in selecting optimal candidates and identifying the optimal timing for surgery among patients with LTLE. Additionally, cortical thinning was more extensive in the poor surgical group.

PMID:37384651 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0288054

PLoS One. 2023 Jun 29;18(6):e0287301. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287301. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

Recent advancements in computer vision and neural networks have facilitated the medical imaging survival analysis for various medical applications. However, challenges arise when patients have multiple images from multiple lesions, as current deep learning methods provide multiple survival predictions for each patient, complicating result interpretation. To address this issue, we developed a deep learning survival model that can provide accurate predictions at the patient level. We propose a deep attention long short-term memory embedded aggregation network (DALAN) for histopathology images, designed to simultaneously perform feature extraction and aggregation of lesion images. This design enables the model to efficiently learn imaging features from lesions and aggregate lesion-level information to the patient level. DALAN comprises a weight-shared CNN, attention layers, and LSTM layers. The attention layer calculates the significance of each lesion image, while the LSTM layer combines the weighted information to produce an all-encompassing representation of the patient’s lesion data. Our proposed method performed better on both simulated and real data than other competing methods in terms of prediction accuracy. We evaluated DALAN against several naive aggregation methods on simulated and real datasets. Our results showed that DALAN outperformed the competing methods in terms of c-index on the MNIST and Cancer dataset simulations. On the real TCGA dataset, DALAN also achieved a higher c-index of 0.803±0.006 compared to the naive methods and the competing models. Our DALAN effectively aggregates multiple histopathology images, demonstrating a comprehensive survival model using attention and LSTM mechanisms.

PMID:37384648 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0287301

JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2023 Jun 29;11:e44585. doi: 10.2196/44585.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Digital therapeutic care (DTC) programs are unsupervised app-based treatments that provide video exercises and educational material to patients with nonspecific low back pain during episodes of pain and functional disability. German statutory health insurance can reimburse DTC programs since 2019, but evidence on efficacy and reasonable pricing remains scarce. This paper presents a probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) to evaluate the efficacy and cost-utility of a DTC app against treatment as usual (TAU) in Germany.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to perform a PSA in the form of a Monte Carlo simulation based on the deterministic base case analysis to account for model assumptions and parameter uncertainty. We also intend to explore to what extent the results in this probabilistic analysis differ from the results in the base case analysis and to what extent a shortage of outcome data concerning quality-of-life (QoL) metrics impacts the overall results.

METHODS: The PSA builds upon a state-transition Markov chain with a 4-week cycle length over a model time horizon of 3 years from a recently published deterministic cost-utility analysis. A Monte Carlo simulation with 10,000 iterations and a cohort size of 10,000 was employed to evaluate the cost-utility from a societal perspective. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were derived from Veterans RAND 6-Dimension (VR-6D) and Short-Form 6-Dimension (SF-6D) single utility scores. Finally, we also simulated reducing the price for a 3-month app prescription to analyze at which price threshold DTC would result in being the dominant strategy over TAU in Germany.

RESULTS: The Monte Carlo simulation yielded on average a €135.97 (a currency exchange rate of EUR €1=US $1.069 is applicable) incremental cost and 0.004 incremental QALYs per person and year for the unsupervised DTC app strategy compared to in-person physiotherapy in Germany. The corresponding incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) amounts to an additional €34,315.19 per additional QALY. DTC yielded more QALYs in 54.96% of the iterations. DTC dominates TAU in 24.04% of the iterations for QALYs. Reducing the app price in the simulation from currently €239.96 to €164.61 for a 3-month prescription could yield a negative ICUR and thus make DTC the dominant strategy, even though the estimated probability of DTC being more effective than TAU is only 54.96%.

CONCLUSIONS: Decision-makers should be cautious when considering the reimbursement of DTC apps since no significant treatment effect was found, and the probability of cost-effectiveness remains below 60% even for an infinite willingness-to-pay threshold. More app-based studies involving the utilization of QoL outcome parameters are urgently needed to account for the low and limited precision of the available QoL input parameters, which are crucial to making profound recommendations concerning the cost-utility of novel apps.

PMID:37384379 | DOI:10.2196/44585

Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2023 Jun 29. doi: 10.1164/rccm.202210-1947OC. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

RATIONALE: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease for which novel therapies are needed. External controls (ECs) could enhance IPF trial efficiency, though the direct comparability of ECs to concurrent controls is unknown.

OBJECTIVES: To develop IPF ECs by fit for purpose data standards to historical randomized clinical trial (RCT), multicenter registry (Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry [PFF-PR]), and electronic health record (EHR) data and to evaluate endpoint comparability among ECs and the BMS-986020 phase 2 RCT.

METHODS: After data curation, the rate of change in forced vital capacity (FVC) from baseline to 26 weeks among participants receiving BMS-986020 600 mg twice daily was compared with the BMS-placebo arm and ECs using mixed effects models with inverse probability weights.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: At 26 weeks, the rate of change in FVC was -32.71 mL (BMS-986020) versus -130.09 mL (BMS-placebo; difference, 97.4 mL, 95% CI, 24.6, 170.2), replicating the original BMS-986020 RCT. RCT-ECs showed treatment effect point estimates within the 95% CI of the original BMS-986020 RCT. Both PFF-PR-ECs and EHR-ECs experienced a slower rate of FVC decline compared with the BMS-placebo arm, resulting in treatment effect point estimates outside of the 95% CI of the original BMS-986020 RCT.

CONCLUSIONS: IPF ECs generated from historical RCT placebo arms result in comparable primary treatment effects to that of the original clinical trial, while ECs from real-world data sources, including registry or EHR data, do not. RCT-ECs may serve as a potentially useful supplement to future IPF RCTs.

PMID:37384378 | DOI:10.1164/rccm.202210-1947OC

JMIR Med Educ. 2023 Jun 29;9:e43699. doi: 10.2196/43699.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Zambia is facing a severe shortage of health care workers, particularly in rural areas. Innovative educational programs and infrastructure have been established to bridge this gap; however, they encounter substantial challenges because of constraints in physical and human resources. In response to these shortcomings, strategies such as web-based and blended learning approaches have been implemented, using virtual patients (VPs) as a means to promote interactive learning at the Levy Mwanawasa Medical University (LMMU) in Zambia.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the students’ knowledge acquisition and acceptance of 2 VP medical topics as a learning tool on a Zambian higher education e-learning platform.

METHODS: Using a mixed methods design, we assessed knowledge acquisition using pre- and posttests. In a randomized controlled trial setting, students were assigned (1:1) to 2 medical topics (topic 1: appendicitis and topic 2: severe acute malnutrition) and then to 4 different learning tools within their respective exposure groups: VPs, textbook content, preselected e-learning materials, and self-guided internet materials. Acceptance was evaluated using a 15-item questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale.

RESULTS: A total of 63 third- and fourth-year Bachelor of Science clinical science students participated in the study. In the severe acute malnutrition-focused group, participants demonstrated a significant increase in knowledge within the textbook group (P=.01) and the VP group (P=.01). No substantial knowledge gain was observed in the e-learning group or the self-guided internet group. For the appendicitis-focused group, no statistically significant difference in knowledge acquisition was detected among the 4 intervention groups (P=.62). The acceptance of learning materials exhibited no substantial difference between the VP medical topics and other learning materials.

CONCLUSIONS: In the context of LMMU, our study found that VPs were well accepted and noninferior to traditional teaching methods. VPs have the potential to serve as an engaging learning resource and can be integrated into blended learning approaches at LMMU. However, further research is required to investigate the long-term knowledge gain and the acceptance and effectiveness of VPs in medical education.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR) PACTR202211594568574; https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=20413.

PMID:37384369 | DOI:10.2196/43699

J Med Internet Res. 2023 Jun 29;25:e46783. doi: 10.2196/46783.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Recent technological advances allow for the repeated sampling of real-time data in natural settings using electronic ecological momentary assessment (eEMA). These advances are particularly meaningful for investigating physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep in young adults who are in a critical life stage for the development of healthy lifestyle behaviors.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe the use of eEMA methodologies in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep research in young adults.

METHODS: The PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, and Web of Science electronic databases were searched through August 2022. Inclusion criteria were use of eEMA; sample of young adults aged 18 to 25 years; at least 1 measurement of physical activity, sedentary behavior, or sleep; English language; and a peer-reviewed report of original research. Study reports were excluded if they were abstracts, protocols, or reviews. The risk of bias assessment was conducted using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessments were conducted by independent authors, with discrepancies resolved by consensus. Descriptive statistics and narrative synthesis were used to identify overarching patterns within the following categories guided by the Checklist for Reporting Ecological Momentary Assessments Studies: study characteristics, outcomes and measures, eEMA procedures, and compliance.

RESULTS: The search resulted in 1221 citations with a final sample of 37 reports describing 35 unique studies. Most reports (28/37, 76%) were published in the last 5 years (2017-2022), used observational designs (35/37, 95%), consisted of samples of college students or apprentices (28/35, 80%), and were conducted in the United States (22/37, 60%). The sample sizes ranged from 14 to 1584 young adults. Physical activity was measured more frequently (28/37, 76%) than sleep (16/37, 43%) or sedentary behavior (4/37, 11%). Of the 37 studies, 11 (30%) reports included 2 movement behaviors and no reports included 3 movement behaviors. eEMA was frequently used to measure potential correlates of movement behaviors, such as emotional states or feelings (25/37, 68%), cognitive processes (7/37, 19%), and contextual factors (9/37, 24%). There was wide variability in the implementation and reporting of eEMA procedures, measures, missing data, analysis, and compliance.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of eEMA methodologies in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep research in young adults has greatly increased in recent years; however, reports continue to lack standardized reporting of features unique to the eEMA methodology. Additional areas in need of future research include the use of eEMA with more diverse populations and the incorporation of all 3 movement behaviors within a 24-hour period. The findings are intended to assist investigators in the design, implementation, and reporting of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep research using eEMA in young adults.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42021279156; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021279156.

PMID:37384367 | DOI:10.2196/46783

Front Plant Sci. 2023 Jun 13;14:1187803. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1187803. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is a non-conventional food plant used extensively in folk medicine and classified as a multipurpose plant species, serving as a source of features of direct importance to the agricultural and agri-industrial sectors. This species is considered a suitable model to study the mechanisms behind resistance to several abiotic stresses including salinity. The recently achieved technological developments in high-throughput biology opened a new window of opportunity to gain additional insights on purslane resistance to salinity stress-a complex, multigenic, and still not well-understood trait. Only a few reports on single-omics analysis (SOA) of purslane are available, and only one multi-omics integration (MOI) analysis exists so far integrating distinct omics platforms (transcriptomics and metabolomics) to characterize the response of purslane plants to salinity stress.

METHODS: The present study is a second step in building a robust database on the morpho-physiological and molecular responses purslane to salinity stress and its subsequent use in attempting to decode the genetics behind its resistance to this abiotic stress. Here, the characterization of the morpho-physiological responses of adult purslane plants to salinity stress and a metabolomics and proteomics integrative approach to study the changes at the molecular level in their leaves and roots is presented.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Adult plants of the B1 purslane accession lost approximately 50% of the fresh and dry weight (from shoots and roots) whensubmitted to very high salinity stress (2.0 g of NaCl/100 g of the substrate). The resistance to very high levels of salinity stress increases as the purslane plant matures, and most of the absorbed sodium remains in the roots, with only a part (~12%) reaching the shoots. Crystal-like structures, constituted mainly by Na⁺, Cl^–, and K⁺, were found in the leaf veins and intercellular space near the stoma, indicating that this species has a mechanism of salt exclusion operating on the leaves, which has its role in salt tolerance. The MOI approach showed that 41 metabolites were statistically significant on the leaves and 65 metabolites on the roots of adult purslane plants. The combination of the mummichog algorithm and metabolomics database comparison revealed that the glycine, serine, and threonine, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways were the most significantly enriched pathways when considering the total number of occurrences in the leaves (with 14, 13, and 13, respectively) and roots (all with eight) of adult plants; and that purslane plants employ the adaptive mechanism of osmoprotection to mitigate the negative effect of very high levels of salinity stress; and that this mechanism is prevalent in the leaves. The multi-omics database built by our group underwent a screen for salt-responsive genes, which are now under further characterization for their potential to promote resistance to salinity stress when heterologously overexpressed in salt-sensitive plants.

PMID:37384354 | PMC:PMC10296175 | DOI:10.3389/fpls.2023.1187803

Ann Ib Postgrad Med. 2022 Dec;20(2):135-142.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Trichomonas vaginalis is one of the common non- viral sexually transmitted infections that infect both men and women worldwide. It is largely asymptomatic and its association with the risk of HIV transmission has made it a compelling public health concern. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence and the risk factors associated with T. vaginalis among asymptomatic undergraduate students at Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun state, Nigeria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 246 asymptomatic students of Babcock University between February 2019 to April 2020. Information on socio-demographic and associated risk factors was obtained by structured-questionnaire in an interview-based manner. First-void urine was collected from each participant for the detection of T. vaginalis using the traditional wet prep method and TV in-pouch. The data were analyzed by SPSS Version 23.

RESULTS: The overall prevalence of T. vaginalis among the participants was 12.2% (30/246). The use of wet-preparation showed 8.5% (21/246) while the use of TV inpouch yielded 12. 2% (30/246) prevalence of positive results. The results of the wet prep in comparison to the in-pouch technique was statistically significant among the study population. (P < 0.001). Sexual intercourse, use of hormonal contraceptives and practice of internet-based sex seeking behaviour were factors that had increase likelihood of T. vaginalis infection on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION: The occurrence of T. vaginalis and, its associated risk factors among the asymptomatic population in this study is very high. We advocate for the screening of young people.

PMID:37384345 | PMC:PMC10295101