Category: Nevin Manimala

Child Abuse Negl. 2022 Apr 2;128:105624. doi: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105624. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Violence disclosure and help-seeking can mitigate adverse health effects associated with childhood violence, but little is known about facilitators and barriers of disclosure and help-seeking behaviors in sub-Saharan Africa.

OBJECTIVE: To understand factors associated with disclosure and help-seeking to inform care.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Participants aged 13-24 years old in the 2019 Namibia Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS).

METHODS: We assessed the prevalence of victimization, disclosure, and help-seeking and examined factors associated with violence disclosure and help-seeking, separately, by gender.

RESULTS: 4211 girls and 980 boys participated in the Namibia VACS. The prevalence of childhood sexual violence differed significantly by gender (15.7% among girls, 9.8% among boys), but physical violence prevalence did not differ by gender. Among victims of sexual violence, 57.3% of girls disclosed and 10.4% sought help, compared with only 30.7% and 3.2% of boys. Among victims of physical violence, 61.1% of girls and 53.4% of boys disclosed, and 16.9% of girls and 17.7% of boys sought help. Older age, social support, and experiencing more types of violence were associated with sexual violence disclosure among boys, but none of these factors were associated with sexual violence disclosure among girls. Lower education, perpetrator type, and witnessing violence were associated with physical violence disclosure among girls, while peer support and perpetrator type were associated with physical violence disclosure among boys.

CONCLUSIONS: Factors associated with childhood violence differed by gender and violence type in Namibia, highlighting a need for gender-specific violence services to facilitate violence disclosure and help-seeking.

PMID:35381545 | DOI:10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105624

Transl Oncol. 2022 Apr 2;20:101407. doi: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101407. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children. Tailored therapies need preclinical brain tumor models representing a wide range of molecular subtypes. Here, we adapted a previously established brain tissue-model to fresh patient tumor cells with the goal of establishing3D in vitro culture conditions for each tumor type.Wereported our findings from 11 pediatric tumor cases, consisting of three medulloblastoma (MB) patients, three ependymoma (EPN) patients, one glioblastoma (GBM) patient, and four juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (Ast) patients. Chemically defined media consisting of a mixture of pro-neural and pro-endothelial cell culture medium was found to support better growth than serum-containing medium for all the tumor cases we tested. 3D scaffold alone was found to support cell heterogeneity and tumor type-dependent spheroid-forming ability; both properties were lost in 2D or gel-only control cultures. Limited in vitro models showed that the number of differentially expressed genes between in vitro vs. primary tissues, are 104 (0.6%) of medulloblastoma, 3,392 (20.2%) of ependymoma, and 576 (3.4%) of astrocytoma, out of total 16,795 protein-coding genes and lincRNAs. Two models derived from a same medulloblastoma patient clustered together with the patient-matched primary tumor tissue; both models were 3D scaffold-only in Neurobasal and EGM 1:1 (v/v) mixture and differed by a 1-mo gap in culture (i.e., 6wk versus 10wk). The genes underlying the in vitrovs. in vivo tissue differences may provide mechanistic insights into the tumor microenvironment. This study is the first step towards establishing a pipeline from patient cells to models to personalized drug testing for brain cancer.

PMID:35381525 | DOI:10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101407

J Biomech. 2022 Mar 29;136:111069. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111069. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Advancements in technology and finite element software have made it possible to develop simulation-based exploration of subject-specific tibiofemoral joint kinematics. In this study, the goal was to develop baseline knee models that accurately predict anterior tibial displacement when undergoing a Lachman and pivot shift test. A total of 22 subject-specific adolescent tibiofemoral joint finite element representations were developed using FEBio. The models were subject to loading conditions established in the literature to simulate the two clinical tests. Anterior tibial translations that were measured through clinical, historical controls were used to validate the proposed models. A 95% confidence interval showed that the simulated Lachman and pivot shift tests of the juvenile knee models were not statistically different from the historical controls and were in accordance with the anterior tibial translations that were measured experimentally. Clinically, simulations are important in advancing the field of knee finite element modeling, particularly in pediatric applications where the surgeon must balance restoring full function in a patient who is skeletally immature and where the growth plate is vulnerable. The methodologies created in developing these foundational models can be utilized to build more anatomically complex finite element representations that can both predict ligament stresses in response to dynamic activities and analyze the effects of different insertion sites.

PMID:35381503 | DOI:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111069

J Plant Physiol. 2022 Mar 26;272:153686. doi: 10.1016/j.jplph.2022.153686. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The color of plant leaves can be assessed qualitatively by color charts or after processing of digital images. This pilot study employed a novel pocket-sized sensor to obtain the color of plant leaves. In order to assess its performance, a color-dependent parameter (SPAD index) was used as the dependent variable, since there is a strong correlation between SPAD index and greenness of plant leaves. A total of 1,872 fresh and intact leaves from 13 crops were analyzed using a SPAD-502 meter and scanned using the Nix™ Pro color sensor. The color was assessed via RGB and CIELab systems. The full dataset was divided into calibration (70% of data) and validation (30% of data). For each crop and color pattern, multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis and multivariate modeling [least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and elastic net (ENET) regression] were employed and compared. The obtained MLR equations and multivariate models were then tested using the validation dataset based on r, R², root mean squared error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE). In both RGB and CIELab color systems, the Nix™ Pro color sensor was able to differentiate crops, and the SPAD indices were successfully predicted, mainly for mango, quinoa, peach, pear, and rice crops. Validation results indicated that ENET performed best in most crops (e.g., coffee, corn, mango, pear, rice, and soy) and very close to MLR in bean, grape, peach, and quinoa. The correlation between SPAD and greenness is crop-dependent. Overall, the Nix™ Pro color sensor was a fast, sensible and an easy way to obtain leaf color directly in the field, constituting a reliable alternative to digital camera imagery and associated image processing.

PMID:35381493 | DOI:10.1016/j.jplph.2022.153686

J Psychosom Res. 2022 Mar 28;157:110804. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.110804. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The object of this longitudinal cohort study was to investigate whether chronotype affects the incidence of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) among patients with breast cancer.

METHODS: The study included a total of 203 breast cancer patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy using a regimen of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide with high emetogenicity. Patients received four cycles of chemotherapy in approximately three months. Patients completed questionnaires including the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire (MCTQ) before the first chemotherapy and the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer Antiemesis Tool (MAT) after each of the four chemotherapy sessions. To confirm the effect of chronotype on CINV during the four cycles, we performed statistical analyses using a generalized estimating equation (GEE).

RESULTS: CINV occurred in 108 (53.2%), 112 (55.2%), 102 (50.3%), and 62 (30.5%) patients during four cycles of treatment. In the GEE approach, late and early chronotypes (vs. intermediate chronotype) were associated with an increased risk of CINV (late chronotype: odds ratio [OR], 2.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41-2.99; p < 0.001, early chronotype: OR, 1.84; CI, 1.25-2.73; p = 0.002), which remained significant even after adjusting for age, BMI, antiemetic treatment, history of nausea and vomiting, anxiety, and sleep quality.

CONCLUSION: Chronotype affected CINV across the four cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer, suggesting the need to consider chronotype in predicting and managing CINV.

PMID:35381494 | DOI:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.110804

Neural Netw. 2022 Mar 23;151:34-47. doi: 10.1016/j.neunet.2022.03.022. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Rapid advancements in deep learning have led to many recent breakthroughs. While deep learning models achieve superior performance, often statistically better than humans, their adoption into safety-critical settings, such as healthcare or self-driving cars is hindered by their inability to provide safety guarantees or to expose the inner workings of the model in a human understandable form. We present MoËT, a novel model based on Mixture of Experts, consisting of decision tree experts and a generalized linear model gating function. Thanks to such gating function the model is more expressive than the standard decision tree. To support non-differentiable decision trees as experts, we formulate a novel training procedure. In addition, we introduce a hard thresholding version, MoËT_h, in which predictions are made solely by a single expert chosen via the gating function. Thanks to that property, MoËT_h allows each prediction to be easily decomposed into a set of logical rules in a form which can be easily verified. While MoËT is a general use model, we illustrate its power in the reinforcement learning setting. By training MoËT models using an imitation learning procedure on deep RL agents we outperform the previous state-of-the-art technique based on decision trees while preserving the verifiability of the models. Moreover, we show that MoËT can also be used in real-world supervised problems on which it outperforms other verifiable machine learning models.

PMID:35381441 | DOI:10.1016/j.neunet.2022.03.022

Eur J Paediatr Neurol. 2022 Mar 16;38:33-46. doi: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2022.02.004. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate, in spastic motor-type cerebral palsy, the association between 1) the location and extent of brain lesions and numerous psychological outcomes; 2) the laterality of brain lesions and performance of verbal-related cognitive functions.

METHODS: The semi-quantitative scale for MRI (sqMRI) was scored for 101 children with cerebral palsy. Non-verbal and verbal proxy intelligence quotients (IQ), word reading, spelling, numerical operations skills, executive functioning, and psychological adjustment were assessed. Relationships between global and regional sqMRI scores and clinical scores were examined. The best multivariable linear regression model for each outcome was identified using the Bayesian Information Criteria. Regional sqMRI scores, gross motor functioning, manual ability, and epilepsy status were considered for inclusion as covariables. Where sqMRI scores made statistically significant contributions to models of verbal-related functioning, data were reanalysed including these sqMRI scores’ laterality index. Verbal-related outcomes were compared between participants with left-sided versus bilateral brain lesions.

RESULTS: Medial dorsal thalamus and parietal lobe lesions significantly accounted for poorer verbal proxy-IQ. Left-hemisphere lateralization of temporal lobe lesions was associated with poorer verbal proxy-IQ. Participants with bilateral lesions performed significantly better than those with unilateral left-sided lesions in verbal cognitive functions. Controlling for epilepsy diagnosis, participants with ventral posterior lateral thalamus lesions presented with better Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function scores, although within the normal range. sqMRI scores were not significantly associated with some psychological outcomes or these only bordered on significance after accounting for relevant control variables.

CONCLUSION: The laterality of early-life lesions influences the development of verbal-related cognitive functions.

PMID:35381411 | DOI:10.1016/j.ejpn.2022.02.004

World Neurosurg. 2022 Apr 2:S1878-8750(22)00428-4. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.03.134. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in gender equity, the paucity of women neurosurgeons remains. In Germany, women accounted for only 24% of the specialists who completed their neurosurgical training in 2019. We sought to explore the perceptions of medical students in Germany towards a neurosurgical career, focusing on gender-specific differences.

METHODS: A digital 26-item questionnaire with a Likert 4-point scale and open-ended questions was distributed to the German Medical School student bodies. Data was analyzed to determine statistically significant intra-group variability between women and men.

RESULTS: 210 medical students participated in the survey. Women and men were equally interested in brain pathologies (38% vs. 47%, strongly agreed), whereas interest in neurosurgery was significantly greater in men (12% vs. 26%, strongly agreed). Men were less likely to believe that women neurosurgery residents would face inequality at work. They were also less likely to support a gender quota in neurosurgery. Yet, both women and men were convinced that a rise in the number of women would positively impact the field. No gender-dependency was seen in students’ strive for success and prestige. Men felt discouraged from pursuing neurosurgery because they feared an unpleasant work environment whereas women were concerned about neurosurgery not being family-friendly. Regardless of gender, the greatest factor deterring students from neurosurgery was poor work-life balance.

CONCLUSION: Awareness must be raised concerning gender inequity and discrimination in our specialty. A multifaceted approach is imperative to develop neurosurgery into a profession where gender no longer hinders access to training and success in the field.

PMID:35381382 | DOI:10.1016/j.wneu.2022.03.134

Microbes Infect. 2022 Apr 2:104976. doi: 10.1016/j.micinf.2022.104976. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

One of the most urgent needs worldwide is to vaccinate against SARS-CoV-2 as many people as possible. We evaluated humoral response to Comirnaty vaccine in Thalassemia Major patients (TM). We measured SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies against Spike protein in 57 TM patients and 58 healthy blood donors (HBD). TM and HBD subjects revealed a homogeneous serological response to the Comirnaty (Mean±SD; TM=1917,21±1384,49; HBD=2039,81±1064,44; p=0,5884). No statistically significant differences were observed among two groups. Interestingly, we observed in 73.3% of asplenic patients Ab-S titres above 800 BAU, whereas only in 26% of non splenectomized patients showed Ab-S titres above 800 BAU). This differences were statistically significant p< 0.039. Further measurement on other Ab types was needed for better understanding humoral response to Comirnaty.

PMID:35381359 | DOI:10.1016/j.micinf.2022.104976

Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther. 2022 Apr 2:102844. doi: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2022.102844. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The present study aims to compare and evaluate radiographic and clinical parameters along with salivary proinflammatory cytokine profiles (IL-1β – and IL-6) in obese with peri-implantitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Obese and non-obese participants in the present study were 80. The nonobese and obese participants were scrutinized based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. All participants both obese and non-obese were subjected to full mouth mechanical debridement (MD). A single session of Photodynamic therapy (PDT) was provided to all obese participants. Clinical peri-implant parameters peri-implant plaque index (PIPI), Peri-implant bleeding on probing (PIBoP), peri-implant probing depth (PIPD) were assessed at baseline, three months, and six months. Marginal bone loss (MBL) was also assessed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to check the levels of IL-1β – and IL-6 in unstimulated whole saliva samples. All the parameters were assessed using the Kruskal Wallis test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Overall characteristics were assessed using descriptive statistics. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: Clinical baseline periodontal parameters PIPI, PIBoP, PIPD, and MBL in non-obese participants were significantly lower compared to group I obese participants at baseline (p < 0.05). At 3 months follow-up PDT adjunct to MD in group 1 obese participants PIPI and PIPD were significantly lower compared to MD alone in non-obese participants PIP1 and PIPD. At 6 months follow up, non-obese participants with peri-implantitis treated with MD demonstrated PIPI and PIPD significantly lower compared to obese participants treated with PDT adjunct to MD CONCLUSION: : PDT adjunctive to MD enhanced periodontal parameters i.e., peri-implant probing depth, peri-implant plaque index, and peri-implant bleeding on probing in obese with peri-implantitis. Moreover, obese individuals with peri-implantitis demonstrated high levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 than control.

PMID:35381370 | DOI:10.1016/j.pdpdt.2022.102844