Category: Nevin Manimala

Cureus. 2026 Jun 30;18(6):e111811. doi: 10.7759/cureus.111811. eCollection 2026 Jun.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mind mapping is a visual, non-linear learning technique in which information is organized around a central concept with related topics and subtopics arranged as branches. It promotes active learning by helping students organize, understand, and recall information. In medical education, where students are required to learn large volumes of conceptual content, mind mapping may serve as a useful self-directed learning tool.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mind mapping as a self-directed learning method among first-year Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students and to assess students’ perceptions regarding its use in the context of physiology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This quasi-experimental, non-randomized controlled crossover study was conducted among 100 first-year MBBS students at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jammu in Jammu, India. Students were divided into two routine practical batches of 50 each. In Phase 1, Batch A served as the mind mapping group and Batch B as the traditional learning group for the topic “Acid-Base Disorders”. All students were first trained in mind map preparation using a topic unrelated to the study intervention. Students in the mind mapping group studied the assigned topic by preparing mind maps, while students in the traditional learning group used their usual study methods. Immediate and delayed post-tests were conducted, with the delayed test performed one month after the intervention. In Phase 2, crossover was performed using the topic “Physiology of EEG and Clinical Relevance”, and the same process was repeated. At the end of the study, students’ perceptions were assessed using a structured five-point Likert scale questionnaire. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 15.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, United States), and a p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Immediate assessment scores did not differ significantly between the mind mapping and traditional learning groups in either phase or in the combined analysis. In the delayed assessment for Phase 2, the mind mapping group scored significantly higher than the traditional learning group. The combined delayed assessment analysis also showed significantly higher scores in the mind mapping group compared with the traditional learning group, with 100 observations in each group (6.97±1.97 vs. 6.30±2.28; p=0.029; Cohen’s d=0.313). Student perception was favorable, with most students reporting that mind mapping improved understanding, organization of concepts, engagement, confidence, active participation, and independent learning. These findings suggest that mind mapping was well accepted by students as a self-directed learning strategy and may contribute positively to independent learning, engagement, and the overall learning experience in undergraduate medical education.

CONCLUSION: Mind mapping did not significantly improve immediate assessment performance compared with traditional learning; however, it was associated with better delayed assessment scores, suggesting a potential benefit in long-term retention. Students perceived mind mapping as an engaging and useful self-directed learning tool. Mind mapping may be incorporated as an adjunct to traditional teaching-learning methods in undergraduate medical education.

PMID:42534708 | PMC:PMC13422079 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.111811

Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2026 Jul 16;17:1873295. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2026.1873295. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus type 2 is a chronic metabolic disorder which characterized by increased blood glucose that affects different body systems. Increasing blood glucose to high levels cause sorbitol induced blood vessel damage, brain malfunction and degeneration of the nerves that can lead to cognitive dysfunction or dementia. For the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in Yemen, which demonstrate the association between neurocognitive dysfunction and diabetes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of neurocognitive dysfunction among Yemeni diabetic type2 patients and investigate the relations between these dysfunction, diabetic risk factors, and sociodemographic characteristics.

METHODS: The present cross-sectional study was carried out in Diabetes center of Al-Thawra public hospital from November 2024 to January 2025 and the sample size was 400 T2DM patients (aged 35 to 65 years) which calculated by Steven Thompson Equation. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS program and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used for screening neurocognitive dysfunctions (NCDs) as a score varying from zero to 30, and impairment is indicated by a score of 23 or lower.

RESULTS: the result showed that, higher prevalence of (NCDs) 43% among T2DM patients (219 (54.75%) male and 181(45.25%) female). Neurocognitive dysfunction was significantly increased in elderly, low-educated, non-employed and long duration diabetes patients with P– value (0.001, 0.001, 0.001, 0.001) respectively. While it was significantly decreased in patients with low BMI and those make regular exercise with (P– value = 0.002 and 0.002) respectively.

CONCLUSION: the study showed a relatively high prevalence of neurocognitive dysfunction among patients with T2DM. In addition to that, neurocognitive dysfunction was more common among older patients, higher BMI, lower education, unemployment, diabetes duration and complications.

PMID:42534703 | PMC:PMC13421405 | DOI:10.3389/fendo.2026.1873295

Health Sci Rep. 2026 Jul 30;9(8):e72854. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.72854. eCollection 2026 Aug.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Human monkeypox (mpox) is a re-emerging zoonotic viral disease in Africa. Despite recent reports in Ethiopia, no studies have assessed healthcare workers’ (HCWs) knowledge and attitudes in the Central Ethiopia Region. This study aimed to determine HCWs knowledge and attitudes toward the re-emergence of mpox in public health facilities.

METHODS: From June 16 to 28, 2025, 419 HCWs were chosen at random for an online cross-sectional study. The data were gathered using a self-administered questionnaire distributed through Google Forms. We used SPSS version 26 for the statistical analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with knowledge and attitudes. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to determine statistical significance.

RESULTS: Of the 419 participants, 46.8% (95% CI: 42.0-51.7) had good knowledge, while 43.4% (95% CI: 39.1-48.0) showed positive attitudes. Good knowledge were significantly positively associated with a master’s degree or higher (AOR = 3.46; 95% CI: 1.60-7.47), health officer (AOR = 7.00; 95% CI: 3.20-15.32) and pharmacist (AOR = 2.68; 95% CI: 1.17-6.13), low (AOR = 5.15; 95% CI: 2.02-13.10) and medium monthly income (AOR = 2.35; 95% CI: 1.32-4.20), and positive attitude (AOR = 2.11; 95% CI: 1.25-3.59), in contrast significantly negatively associated with work experience (5-10 years) (AOR = 0.13; 95% CI: 0.07-0.24). Positive attitudes were significantly positively associated with medical doctor (AOR = 4.78; 95% CI: 2.39-9.55), and information about mpox during medical education (AOR = 3.29; 95% CI: 1.91-5.67), in contrast significantly negatively associated with female sex (AOR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.08-0.41), age ≥ 32 years (AOR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.28-0.73), and lack of current information access (AOR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.26-0.88).

CONCLUSION: HCWs had low levels of knowledge and positive attitudes toward mpox. To get better at being ready for and responding to mpox in Ethiopia, it is important to strengthen continuing professional education, target training, and raise awareness.

PMID:42534696 | PMC:PMC13421795 | DOI:10.1002/hsr2.72854

Front Hum Neurosci. 2026 Jul 16;20:1832178. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2026.1832178. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Insomnia is a prevalent and burdensome condition in primary care, associated with impaired functioning, increased health risks, and suffering. Infra-slow neurofeedback (ISF-NF) has been proposed as an intervention for stress-related sleep dysregulation, yet empirical evidence from primary care remains scarce.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of ISF-NF for insomnia in primary care using a single-case experimental design.

METHODS: A single-case experimental design with repeated measures was applied. Ten patients with insomnia and related comorbidities (e.g., stress-related exhaustion, migraine, anxiety) were enrolled. Nine completed the intervention, and eight had sufficient data for analysis following a 2-week baseline and 12 weekly ISF-NF sessions with individualized adjustment of the temporal integration (frequency) parameter. Subjective sleep quality was assessed daily using the Brief Self-Reported Sleep Quality Assessment (BSRSQA). Standardized questionnaires including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were collected at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up. Treatment effects were evaluated using visual analysis and non-parametric Tau-U statistics. Wearable sleep data (Fitbit Inspire 3) were analyzed descriptively to contextualize subjective outcomes.

RESULTS: Visual single-case analyses revealed heterogeneous but interpretable trajectories, with several participants showing improved perceived sleep quality. Five of eight participants demonstrated statistically significant Tau-U effects (p < 0.05). Group-level analyses showed reductions in sleep problems (PSQI) and depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) from pre to post-intervention, with partial return toward baseline at three-month follow-up. Wearable sleep metrics indicated variability and limited convergence with total sleep time but suggested improvements in sleep consolidation and timing in some cases. Feasibility and acceptability were supported by high treatment adherence, therapeutic alliance, and few reported adverse effects.

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that ISF-NF may be a feasible and well-tolerated intervention in a primary care context, with preliminary indications of benefit in a subset of individuals. Effects were heterogeneous and should be interpreted cautiously. Individualized parameter adjustment and visual single-case analysis may provide a useful framework for capturing treatment dynamics in adaptive interventions. Wearable sleep data may offer contextual information but should be interpreted alongside subjective outcomes. Controlled studies are needed to evaluate efficacy and underlying mechanisms.

PMID:42534695 | PMC:PMC13422157 | DOI:10.3389/fnhum.2026.1832178

J Trop Med. 2026 Jul 30;2026:6520515. doi: 10.1155/jotm/6520515. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study evaluated in vitro antigiardial activity in 16 Indonesian plants extracted in methanol, methanol-tetrahydrofuran (1:1), and water. These plants exhibiting promising antiparasitic activity were selected on the basis of collected behavioral data and the ability of these plants to decrease parasite load in Sumatran orangutans.

METHODS: Plant extracts of different concentrations (0.15625-10 mg/mL) and metronidazole (100 μg/mL), a standard antigiardial drug, were incubated with 10⁵ trophozoites per milliliter of growth medium in 96-well tissue culture plates under anaerobic conditions for 24 h. Cultures were counted in a hemocytometer using a light microscope and then statistically evaluated.

RESULTS: All tested plants were found to be effective to some extent against Giardia intestinalis trophozoites, with eight of them having never been previously tested for any biological activity nor probably used in ethnomedicine (as far as we know).

CONCLUSION: Our results show that these extracts have potential as an alternative treatment of enteric diseases caused by G. intestinalis and confirm the assumption that orangutans use these plants for self-medication.

PMID:42534676 | PMC:PMC13421921 | DOI:10.1155/jotm/6520515

Qatar Med J. 2026 Jun 10;2026(2):30. doi: 10.5339/qmj.2026.30. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Safe perioperative transfer of patients with potential spinal cord injury (SCI) is essential to prevent secondary neurological damage. Targeted training of operating room nurses (ORNs) is critical for ensuring adherence to best-practice transfer techniques.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of a scenario-based training intervention on knowledge and self-reported practices of ORNs regarding safe perioperative transfer of patients with potential SCI.

METHODS: This survey-based pre- and post-intervention study was conducted at Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar, between January and March 2024. A structured self-administered questionnaire was administered to ORNs before and after a targeted training intervention. Variables included preferred transfer device, number of staff required, leadership during transfer, hand positioning, and command sequence. Descriptive statistics and McNemar’s test were used for analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 138 ORNs participated (mean age, 37.6 ± 6.2 years; 68% female). Use of plastic boards increased from 88% (n = 122) to 93% (n = 128) post-intervention (P < 0.05). Compliance with the recommended four-person log-roll team improved from 67% (n = 92) to 79% (n = 109). Reliance on anesthetists for transfer leadership increased from 41% to 58%, while inappropriate reliance on other staff decreased from 33% to 28%.

CONCLUSION: A targeted scenario-based training intervention significantly improved ORNs’ knowledge and self-reported adherence to safe perioperative transfer practices for patients with potential SCI.

PMID:42534675 | PMC:PMC13421393 | DOI:10.5339/qmj.2026.30

Front Neurosci. 2026 Jul 16;20:1871045. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2026.1871045. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is associated with neurodevelopmental impairments, including listening difficulties not always explained by peripheral hearing loss, suggesting alterations at the level of neural auditory processing. The frequency-following response (FFR) provides an objective measure of neural speech encoding and may offer insight into auditory function in this population.

METHODS: Twenty-five normal-hearing participants were included: 11 individuals with FASD and 14 controls. Speech-evoked FFRs were recorded using a 160 ms /da/ stimulus at 80 dB SPL with a stimulation rate of 4.35/s. Pitch tracking, stimulus-response correlation, response latency, and signal quality were analyzed using non-parametric statistics. Given the exploratory nature of the study and uncontrolled demographic variables – including a significant age difference between groups – findings should be interpreted as preliminary and hypothesis-generating.

RESULTS: Compared to controls, individuals with FASD showed reduced pitch-tracking consistency and lower stimulus-response correlation, with the most robust finding being a large-effect reduction in F0-range correlation (R[70-120 Hz]: p < 0.001, rank-biserial r = 0.823). Prolonged latencies were observed across multiple response components, and signal-to-noise ratio tended to be lower in the FASD group.

CONCLUSION: This exploratory proof-of-concept study provides preliminary evidence of altered neural speech encoding in individuals with FASD despite normal peripheral hearing. Given uncontrolled confounds, observed differences cannot be specifically attributed to FASD. These findings establish the feasibility of FFR in this population and provide the empirical foundation for future controlled research on auditory biomarkers and intervention monitoring in FASD.

PMID:42534674 | PMC:PMC13422169 | DOI:10.3389/fnins.2026.1871045

J Exp Orthop. 2026 Jul 30;13(3):e70861. doi: 10.1002/jeo2.70861. eCollection 2026 Jul.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Whether medially congruent (MC) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) provides clinically meaningful advantages over posterior-stabilized (PS) designs remains controversial. In this randomized trial, early recovery profiles and 2-year outcomes were compared between Persona® MC and PS TKA.

METHODS: In this triple-blinded randomized controlled trial, 82 patients undergoing primary TKA for Kellgren-Lawrence Grade IV osteoarthritis were allocated to receive a Persona® MC or PS system. The primary endpoint was Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (KOOS-ADL). Secondary outcomes included range of motion, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain, Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12), satisfaction and complications. Follow-up was 2 years. Group, time and group × time interaction were assessed using repeated-measures models.

RESULTS: Both groups improved over time. Significant group × time interactions were observed for ROM, VAS pain, KOOS-ADL and FJS-12, indicating different recovery profiles. MC knees had greater flexion at 2 weeks (95.3° vs. 83.9°, p < 0.001), and flexion contracture at 2 weeks was observed only in the PS group (0/41 vs. 4/41). Conversely, PS patients reported lower pain scores at 2 weeks (4.75 vs. 6.17, p < 0.001) and 6 weeks (1.92 vs. 2.97, p < 0.001). Later flexion favoured PS, including at 2 years (118.8° vs. 113.9°, p < 0.001). MC patients reported statistically higher KOOS-ADL and FJS-12 scores at 1 and 2 years; however, between-group differences did not exceed established minimum clinically important difference thresholds. Satisfaction was high in both groups and complications were infrequent.

CONCLUSION: Persona® MC and PS TKA showed different recovery profiles rather than clear superiority of either design. MC-TKA was associated with better early flexion and fewer observed early flexion contractures, whereas PS TKA was associated with lower early postoperative pain and greater flexion at later follow-up. MC showed statistically higher KOOS-ADL and FJS-12 scores, but these differences remained below minimum clinically important difference thresholds. Both designs provided substantial 2-year improvement without clinically meaningful between-group differences in patient-reported outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I.

PMID:42534647 | PMC:PMC13420843 | DOI:10.1002/jeo2.70861

Cureus. 2026 Jun 30;18(6):e111801. doi: 10.7759/cureus.111801. eCollection 2026 Jun.

ABSTRACT

Periprosthetic distal femur fractures (PDFFs) are challenging injuries that commonly affect elderly patients following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The commonly used surgical interventions are distal femoral replacement (DFR) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), although the best approach remains debatable. This study aimed to evaluate the different ORIF subtypes and compare DFR versus ORIF for the management of PDFFs. This study was conducted in strict accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and was registered with International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). A comprehensive search was conducted across various databases up to October 2025. This study included only cohort studies comparing various surgical management approaches. Primary outcomes included functional scores (Knee Society Score (KSS)/Knee Society Function Score (KSFS)/Oxford Knee Score (OKS)), reoperation, and range of motion (ROM). Risk of bias and methodological quality were assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) tool. Fifteen retrospective comparative studies involving 1,417 patients were included. Pooled analysis demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in reoperation rates favoring DFR (OR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.42-0.97). One-year mortality showed a non-significant trend favoring DFR (OR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.45-1.09). Infection rates were slightly higher in the DFR group without statistical significance (OR = 1.39; 95% CI: 0.61-3.18). No significant differences were observed in perioperative and functional outcomes between the two interventions. DFR allowed earlier full weight-bearing and mobilization, whereas ORIF required protected weight-bearing protocols. Compared with ORIF in PDFFs, DFR was associated with a reduced risk of reoperation and earlier postoperative mobilization. Mortality and functional outcomes remained comparable between the two interventions. Treatment selection should be individualized, with ORIF appropriate for reconstructible fractures with stable implants and DFR reserved for patients in whom fixation is unlikely to succeed or protected weight-bearing is unrealistic; all findings should be interpreted cautiously given the retrospective evidence base.

PMID:42534630 | PMC:PMC13420835 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.111801

Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2026 Jul 16;17:1893897. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2026.1893897. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The influence of physical activity on outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART) remains incompletely understood, with conflicting evidence regarding the impact of exercise intensity and frequency. This study aimed to evaluate the association between self-reported physical activity and reproductive outcomes in patients undergoing ART.

METHODS: This retrospective single-center cohort study included 2,576 patients undergoing 6,850 ART cycles with embryo transfer between 2000 and 2021. Patients were categorized according to self-reported weekly physical activity as no regular exercise (Group A), exercise 1-2 times per week (Group B), and exercise ≥3 times per week, including competitive athletes (Group C). The primary outcome was cumulative live birth rate per oocyte pick-up (OPU), including fresh and frozen embryo transfers within one year following OPU. Secondary outcomes included cumulative pregnancy rate, pregnancy rate per embryo transfer, live birth rate per transfer, miscarriage rate, and number of oocytes retrieved.

RESULTS: Patients exercising 1-2 times weekly demonstrated the most favorable reproductive outcomes. Pregnancy rate per embryo transfer was highest in Group B (34.8%) compared with Group A (32.5%) and Group C (29.7%, p<0.005). Similarly, live birth rate per transfer was higher in Group B (25.6%) than in Groups A (23.0%) and C (22.4%, p<0.05). Cumulative pregnancy rate per OPU was highest in Group B (58.7%) compared with Group A (52.5%) and Group C (49.5%, p<0.001). Cumulative live birth rate per OPU was also higher in Group B (43.1%) compared with Group A (37.2%) and Group C (37.1%, p<0.01).

DISCUSSION: Moderate physical activity was associated with more favorable ART outcomes, including higher cumulative pregnancy and live birth rates, compared with both no regular exercise and high levels of physical activity. These findings suggest that moderate exercise may represent a beneficial lifestyle factor for patients undergoing ART and may support individualized patient counseling.

PMID:42534628 | PMC:PMC13421417 | DOI:10.3389/fendo.2026.1893897