Category: Nevin Manimala

Integr Environ Assess Manag. 2025 Mar 20:vjaf036. doi: 10.1093/inteam/vjaf036. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Air pollution from coal-based power plants poses significant health and environmental risks. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of abatement technologies, specifically flue gas desulfurization (FGD) wet scrubbers and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, in reducing air pollution from power plants in Israel. We analyzed air quality data from eight monitoring stations near the Hadera Power Plant, comparing pollutant concentrations before (2015) and after (2019) the installation of abatement systems. Hourly averages of NOx, NO2, and SO2 concentrations were computed and analyzed using Wilcoxon’s paired test and linear regression models. Results showed significant decreases in overall pollutant concentrations following the installation of abatement systems. Total average NOx concentrations decreased from 11.68 to 6.88 ppb in summer and from 9.78 to 7.38 ppb in winter. Similar reductions were observed for NO2 and SO2. Monitoring Stations data -specific analysis revealed statistically significant decreases in 86.7% of all comparisons. Furthermore, in 21 out of 22 linear regression models, the variable indicating the installation of the abatement systems was negatively associated with the pollutants’ concentrations. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of abatement technologies in reducing air pollution from power plants, supporting their implementation as a viable strategy for improving air quality and protecting public health in areas near coal-fired power plants.

PMID:40111263 | DOI:10.1093/inteam/vjaf036

Pharmacogenomics. 2025 Mar 20:1-13. doi: 10.1080/14622416.2025.2481016. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To assess patient perspectives following evaluation in a multidisciplinary pharmacogenomics clinic run by a clinical pharmacist, genetic counselor, and physician.

METHODS: A survey was distributed to 187 adults seen in the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Pharmacogenomics Clinic. Participants who completed the survey were invited to complete a semi-structured interview. Interview subjects were selected based on order of responses, scheduling availability, and range of participant experiences with testing and the clinic process. Surveys were analyzed with descriptive statistics, and interview transcripts were analyzed with thematic analysis.

RESULTS: Forty-two survey responses were received; 13 participants were interviewed. Quantitative data demonstrated high satisfaction with the multidisciplinary clinic model and belief that pharmacogenomic testing has value. Qualitative analysis identified four themes: 1) Self-Advocacy as a Patient Responsibility in the Utilization of Pharmacogenomic Results, 2) High Satisfaction with Multidisciplinary Pharmacogenomics Clinic Model and Team, 3) Utility of Pharmacogenomics, and 4) Desire for Pharmacogenomics Resources.

CONCLUSION: Patients value the care provided by a multidisciplinary pharmacogenomics clinic team, but they need to advocate for the use of their results with other healthcare professionals.

PMID:40111244 | DOI:10.1080/14622416.2025.2481016

Tree Physiol. 2025 Mar 8;45(3):tpaf014. doi: 10.1093/treephys/tpaf014.

ABSTRACT

Seasonal variation of nutrient concentrations in different organs is an essential strategy for temperate trees to maintain growth and function. The seasonal variations and variability (i.e., seasonality) of leaf nutrient concentrations have been well documented, while the trends and magnitudes of such seasonal variations in other tree organs (e.g., twigs) and their associations with leaf nutrients remain poorly understood. We measured the concentrations of 10 nutrients (nitrogen, N; phosphorus, P; potassium, K; calcium, Ca; magnesium, Mg; iron, Fe; manganese, Mn; copper, Cu; zinc, Zn; boron, B) in twigs and leaves of four temperate tree species (i.e., Pinus tabuliformis, Ginkgo biloba, Cotinus coggygria, and Sophora japonica) to explore their seasonal variations and seasonality. Our results showed that macronutrient concentrations (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) were significantly higher in leaves and micronutrient concentrations (Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn) were significantly higher in twigs. Concentrations of P and K both showed a negative seasonal covariation between twigs and leaves, while Ca, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, and B showed an opposite relationship. Compared with mobile nutrients, nonmobile nutrients exhibited significantly greater seasonality in the leaves but there were no such differences in twigs. The seasonality of nutrient concentrations in twigs was significantly stronger than in leaves and they were positively correlated. Additionally, nutrients with higher physiological requirements in leaves showed weaker seasonality, confirming the hypothesis of seasonal stability of high-demand nutrients, while such relationships were not statistically significant for twigs. This study demonstrates distinct seasonality of nutrients in twigs and leaves of temperate woody plants. These findings highlight that high-demand nutrients show stronger seasonal stability in leaves but not in twigs and uncover the seasonal coordination between twigs and leaves as a nutrient conservation strategy.

PMID:40111226 | DOI:10.1093/treephys/tpaf014

Exp Physiol. 2025 Mar 20. doi: 10.1113/EP092337. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Peak oxygen uptake ( V ̇ O 2 peak ${{dot{V}}_{{{{mathrm{O}}}_2}{mathrm{peak}}}}$ ) and V ̇ O 2 ${{dot{V}}_{{{{mathrm{O}}}_2}}}$ on/off-kinetics are key indicators of exercise capacity and health outcomes, but their assessment often requires separate laboratory visits, which limits feasibility. This cross-sectional study aimed to develop a single cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) for both assessments. We designed a single-session combined CPET protocol using an upright cycle ergometer in healthy volunteers (n = 20). V ̇ O 2 peak ${{dot{V}}_{{{{mathrm{O}}}_2}{mathrm{peak}}}}$ was first estimated using an a priori formula. The constant work rate (CWR) part of the test (on-kinetics) was set to an intensity of 30% V ̇ O 2 reserve ${{dot{V}}_{{{{mathrm{O}}}_2}{mathrm{reserve}}}}$ . After an incremental test to measure V ̇ O 2 peak ${{dot{V}}_{{{{mathrm{O}}}_2}{mathrm{peak}}}}$ , a 10-min recovery period was used to evaluate off-kinetics. Twenty volunteers (9 females and 11 males), 28.0 ± 8.1 years completed the protocol. No significant differences were found between predicted and measured V ̇ O 2 peak ${{dot{V}}_{{{{mathrm{O}}}_2}{mathrm{peak}}}}$ (P = 0.47). A strong correlation (r = 0.88) and good agreement (Bland-Altman bias = -0.82 mL kg^-1 min^-1) were found between the calculated/actual individuals’ 30% V ̇ O 2 reserve ${{dot{V}}_{{{{mathrm{O}}}_2}{mathrm{reserve}}}}$ (mL kg^-1 min^-1) and the measured steady-state V ̇ O 2 ${{dot{V}}_{{{{mathrm{O}}}_2}}}$ at CWR. The measured exercise intensity at CWR closely matched the target of 30%, with no statistical differences, with an average difference of 0.2 percentage points. Small-medium Cohen’s d (0.16) indicated high similarity between predicted and measured V ̇ O 2 peak ${{dot{V}}_{{{{mathrm{O}}}_2}{mathrm{peak}}}}$ . V ̇ O 2 ${{dot{V}}_{{{{mathrm{O}}}_2}}}$ on- and off-kinetics analyses were also performed for all participants with mono-exponential fittings. A single-session protocol for the combined assessment of V ̇ O 2 peak ${{dot{V}}_{{{{mathrm{O}}}_2}{mathrm{peak}}}}$ and V ̇ O 2 ${{dot{V}}_{{{{mathrm{O}}}_2}}}$ on/off-kinetics was developed. This protocol will enable greater recruitment and participation in research and enhanced detail for clinical CPET use. Future research should evaluate intra- and inter-participant reproducibility over repeated sessions.

PMID:40111206 | DOI:10.1113/EP092337

Cell Reprogram. 2025 Mar 20. doi: 10.1089/cell.2024.0066. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) play an essential role in the transfer of genetic information through generations, making studying their cellular and molecular mechanisms critical. However, since SSCs are few in mice, directly studying them is limited, requiring specialized in vitro cultivation. Feeder layers such as mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), SNL, neonate, and adult mouse testicular stromal feeder cells (TSCs) support in vitro survival and growth. To understand the effectiveness of these feeder layers on SSC proliferation, we compared MEF, SNL, neonatal, and adult TSCs. Furthermore, we identified hub genes and potential pathways in spermatogenesis. Two populations of differentiated and undifferentiated SSCs were compared for mouse SSC colony formation and proliferation effectiveness. Additionally, Cytoscape and STRING databases were employed for protein-protein interaction networks and functional gene enrichment. The expression of three hub genes, including Dazl, Zbtb16, and Stra8, was analyzed using dynamic array chips (Fluidigm) followed by statistical analysis. Our results indicated that undifferentiated SSCs favored MEF feeders, while differentiated SSCs thrived on SNL and primary TSC feeders for long-term culture. Functional enrichment results demonstrated hub genes involvement in cell differentiation, meiosis, regulation of meiotic nuclear division, cell development, and spermatogenesis. Furthermore, mRNA expression levels of Stra8, Zbtb16, and Dazl genes show different patterns among feeder layers and SSC differentiation phases.

PMID:40111152 | DOI:10.1089/cell.2024.0066

Comput Inform Nurs. 2025 Mar 20. doi: 10.1097/CIN.0000000000001277. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study proposes an evaluation of the efficacy of machine learning algorithms in classifying chronic pain based on Italian nursing notes, contributing to the integration of artificial intelligence tools in healthcare within an Italian linguistic context. The research aimed to validate the nursing diagnosis of chronic pain and explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing clinical decision-making in Italian healthcare settings. Three machine learning algorithms-XGBoost, gradient boosting, and BERT-were optimized through a grid search approach to identify the most suitable hyperparameters for each model. Therefore, the performance of the algorithms was evaluated and compared using Cohen’s κ coefficient. This statistical measure assesses the level of agreement between the predicted classifications and the actual data labels. Results demonstrated XGBoost’s superior performance, whereas BERT showed potential in handling complex Italian language structures despite data volume and domain specificity limitations. The study highlights the importance of algorithm selection in clinical applications and the potential of machine learning in healthcare, specifically addressing the challenges of Italian medical language processing. This work contributes to the growing field of artificial intelligence in nursing, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities of implementing machine learning in Italian clinical practice. Future research could explore integrating multimodal data, combining text analysis with physiological signals and imaging data, to create more comprehensive and accurate chronic pain classification models tailored to the Italian healthcare system.

PMID:40111146 | DOI:10.1097/CIN.0000000000001277

Subst Use Misuse. 2025 Mar 20:1-8. doi: 10.1080/10826084.2025.2481322. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Recovery constitutes the goal for people with alcohol use disorder (AUD). State hope and abstinence self-efficacy represent consequential constructs for people with AUD as they work toward recovery.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this two-group cluster-randomized single-session effectiveness study was to compare the effects of group motivational-educational songwriting (MESW) and group recreational music therapy (RMT) by measuring between- and within-group differences in measures of state hope and abstinence self-efficacy in adults with AUD on a detoxification unit.

METHOD: Participants (N = 86) were cluster-randomized to a single-session of group MESW or group RMT. Participants completed psychometric inventories measuring state hope (consisting of agency and pathways subscales as well as total state hope) and abstinence self-efficacy (consisting of temptation and confidence subscales) at pre- and posttest.

RESULTS: Analyses indicated statistically significant within-group changes in agency, pathways, total state hope, temptation, and confidence. In all measures, there were favorable changes from pre- to posttest. There were statistically significant between-group differences in pathways and total state hope, with the MESW condition outperforming the RMT condition.

CONCLUSION: A single group MESW or group RMT session can positively influence state hope and abstinence self-efficacy in adults with AUD on a detoxification unit. As the MESW condition explicitly addressed recovery, has other empirical support in the literature, and significantly outperformed the RMT condition in measures of pathways and total state hope, MESW may be an ideal intervention for adults in detoxification settings. Implications for practice, limitations, and suggestions for future research are provided.

PMID:40111125 | DOI:10.1080/10826084.2025.2481322

Arts Health. 2025 Mar 20:1-20. doi: 10.1080/17533015.2025.2481275. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate how physiotherapists use dance in clinical practice.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of Canadian physiotherapists with a web-based questionnaire distributed via social media and professional and healthcare organizations. Responses were analyzed with descriptive statistics and descriptive content analysis.

RESULTS: Of the 81 respondents included in the analysis, 36 (44%) had used dance in practice, while 45 (56%) had not. Respondents were more likely to have used dance in practice if they had formal dance experience (X² (1, n = 81) = 3.73, p = .044). The rationale for implementing dance included improving physical, psychosocial, and cognitive outcomes. Common barriers were clinician inexperience and insufficient resources, while a common concern about using dance was that they may not be taken seriously.

CONCLUSION: Canadian physiotherapists used dance clinically in more diverse ways than reported in the scientific literature. Future work should evaluate these specific dance interventions and inform the development of clinical practice guidelines.

PMID:40111121 | DOI:10.1080/17533015.2025.2481275

J Prosthet Dent. 2025 Mar 18:S0022-3913(25)00193-3. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2025.02.044. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Conventional lithium disilicate material is frequently the material of choice whenever laminate veneers are advocated. Advanced lithium disilicate (CEREC Tessera) has been introduced and is thought to be a favorable alternative to conventional lithium disilicates in terms of reduced chairside time. However, its reliability as a material for laminate veneer fabrication has not been adequately assessed.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the vertical marginal gap and internal fit of laminate veneers fabricated from the advanced lithium disilicate ceramic versus the conventional lithium disilicate ceramic.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 22 laminate veneers were fabricated for a maxillary central incisor and divided into 2 groups; Group E (e.max CAD): fabricated from conventional lithium disilicate and Group T (Tessera):fabricated from advanced lithium disilicate. A typodont maxillary right central incisor was prepared by following the recommended parameters, and the laminate veneers were then scanned, designed, and milled. Quantitative measurements of the vertical marginal gap and internal fit of the laminate veneers on the typodont tooth were made by direct viewing and the silicone replica approach, respectively, using a digital microscope. The Student t test was performed for statistical analysis of the results (α=.05).

RESULTS: The mean values of both groups varied significantly. Group T had a lower mean vertical marginal gap (40.5 µm) than group E (52.6 µm) (P<.05). In terms of internal fit, group T had a higher value (191.5 µm) than group E (142.4 µm) (P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Advanced lithium disilicate laminate veneers revealed better vertical marginal gap and lower internal fit than conventional lithium disilicate laminate veneers.

PMID:40107959 | DOI:10.1016/j.prosdent.2025.02.044

J Voice. 2025 Mar 18:S0892-1997(25)00077-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2025.02.030. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Neurogenic voice disorders like adductor laryngeal dystonia (AdLD), vocal tremor, and vocal paresis/paralysis impact the neuromuscular control of the phonatory system, which might lead to an impaired phonation onset/offset. Utilizing laryngeal high-speed videoendoscopy (HSV), this study investigates the glottal attack time (GAT) and glottal offset time (GOT) during soft, habitual, and hard glottal attack modalities in sustained phonation for several neurogenic voice disorders.

METHODS: HSV data and audio recordings were obtained simultaneously from 14 participants with neurogenic voice disorders and 14 normophonic participants during two productions of the /i/ vowel at soft, habitual, and hard glottal attacks. Using HSV, GAT, defined as the time interval between the first oscillation and the first contact of the vocal folds at phonation onset, and GOT, the time interval between the last oscillation and the last contact of the vocal folds at phonation offset, were measured. GAT and GOT for different glottal attack modalities were compared within each group, also among the different disorders and normophonic participants. Additionally, these values were compared between sustained phonation and connected speech for the normophonic participants and those with AdLD.

RESULTS: The neurogenic disorders group exhibited significantly higher GAT values than the normophonic participants during the hard glottal attack modality. Habitual GOTs for vocal tremor were significantly different than those of unilateral vocal fold paralysis and AdLD. Moreover, the normophonic participants shared similar trends between connected speech and sustained phonation across glottal attack modalities for GAT, while the AdLD group did not. AdLD participants shared the same trend for GOT, while normophonic participants did not.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence of differences in GAT and GOT values during sustained phonation across different neurogenic voice disorders, contributing to the understanding of their pathophysiology. These findings may inform the development of strategies and speech tasks for clinical assessment of neurogenic voice disorders.

PMID:40107936 | DOI:10.1016/j.jvoice.2025.02.030