Nevin Manimala

JMIR Med Inform. 2025 Jan 3;13:e63538. doi: 10.2196/63538.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mental health chatbots have emerged as a promising tool for providing accessible and convenient support to individuals in need. Building on our previous research on digital interventions for loneliness and depression among Korean college students, this study addresses the limitations identified and explores more advanced artificial intelligence-driven solutions.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the performance of HoMemeTown Dr. CareSam, an advanced cross-lingual chatbot using ChatGPT 4.0 (OpenAI) to provide seamless support in both English and Korean contexts. The chatbot was designed to address the need for more personalized and culturally sensitive mental health support identified in our previous work while providing an accessible and user-friendly interface for Korean young adults.

METHODS: We conducted a mixed methods pilot study with 20 Korean young adults aged 18 to 27 (mean 23.3, SD 1.96) years. The HoMemeTown Dr CareSam chatbot was developed using the GPT application programming interface, incorporating features such as a gratitude journal and risk detection. User satisfaction and chatbot performance were evaluated using quantitative surveys and qualitative feedback, with triangulation used to ensure the validity and robustness of findings through cross-verification of data sources. Comparative analyses were conducted with other large language models chatbots and existing digital therapy tools (Woebot [Woebot Health Inc] and Happify [Twill Inc]).

RESULTS: Users generally expressed positive views towards the chatbot, with positivity and support receiving the highest score on a 10-point scale (mean 9.0, SD 1.2), followed by empathy (mean 8.7, SD 1.6) and active listening (mean 8.0, SD 1.8). However, areas for improvement were noted in professionalism (mean 7.0, SD 2.0), complexity of content (mean 7.4, SD 2.0), and personalization (mean 7.4, SD 2.4). The chatbot demonstrated statistically significant performance differences compared with other large language models chatbots (F=3.27; P=.047), with more pronounced differences compared with Woebot and Happify (F=12.94; P<.001). Qualitative feedback highlighted the chatbot’s strengths in providing empathetic responses and a user-friendly interface, while areas for improvement included response speed and the naturalness of Korean language responses.

CONCLUSIONS: The HoMemeTown Dr CareSam chatbot shows potential as a cross-lingual mental health support tool, achieving high user satisfaction and demonstrating comparative advantages over existing digital interventions. However, the study’s limited sample size and short-term nature necessitate further research. Future studies should include larger-scale clinical trials, enhanced risk detection features, and integration with existing health care systems to fully realize its potential in supporting mental well-being across different linguistic and cultural contexts.

PMID:39752663 | DOI:10.2196/63538

J Neurosurg. 2025 Jan 3:1-7. doi: 10.3171/2024.8.JNS24915. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a serious condition with high mortality rates and poor functional outcome in survivors. Treatment includes external ventricular drains (EVDs), which are associated with several complications. This study reports the clinical outcome and complication rate in patients with primary IVH (pIVH) and secondary IVH treated with EVDs.

METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective observational study using the Danish National Patient Registry. Patients treated with EVDs for pIVH or secondary IVH between September 2012 and August 2022 at Aarhus University Hospital were included. Demographic data, clinical treatment, and outcomes were extracted and analyzed.

RESULTS: A total of 436 patients with 615 EVDs were included. Of these, 4.1% had pIVH, 60.6% had IVH secondary to subarachnoid hemorrhage, and 35.3% had IVH secondary to intracerebral hemorrhage. During EVD treatment, 38.8% of patients experienced complications, including complete occlusion (17.2%), partial occlusion (16.1%), ventriculitis (7.1%), and other complications (9.6%). Of patients surviving the initial 30 days, 34.2% received a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, and 29.9% remained shunt dependent 6 months after inclusion. Mortality rates were 28.9% at 30 days and 33.7% at 90 days. A total of 31.0% of patients had good functional outcomes at 90 days.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a comprehensive historical reference of complications, mortality rate, and functional outcome of EVD-treated patients with pIVH and secondary IVH. These findings provide a baseline for evaluating novel catheter-based interventions in IVH management.

PMID:39752661 | DOI:10.3171/2024.8.JNS24915

J Med Internet Res. 2025 Jan 3;27:e64668. doi: 10.2196/64668.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men have been referred to as a “hard-to-reach” or “hidden” community in terms of recruiting for research studies. With widespread internet use among this group and young adults in general, web-based avenues represent an important approach for reaching and recruiting members of this community. However, little is known about how participants recruited from various web-based sources may differ from one another.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine how young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men recruited from various web-based sources differ from one another in terms of participant characteristics and study engagement.

METHODS: Data were collected as part of a randomized controlled trial of Outsmart HPV, a web-based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination intervention for young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. From 2019 to 2021, we recruited young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in the United States who were aged 18-25 years and not vaccinated against HPV (n=1227) through various web-based avenues. We classified each participant as being recruited from either (1) social media (eg, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat), (2) a dating app (eg, Grindr, Scruff), or (3) some other digital recruitment source (eg, existing research panel, university-based organization). Analyses compared participants from these 3 groups on demographic and health-related characteristics and metrics involving study engagement.

RESULTS: Most demographic and health-related characteristics differed by web-based recruitment source, including race or ethnicity (P<.001), relationship status (P<.001), education level (P<.001), employment status (P<.001), sexual self-identity (P<.001), health insurance status (P<.001), disclosure of sexual orientation (P=.048), and connectedness to the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) community (P<.001) The type of device used by participants during study enrollment also differed across groups, with smartphone use higher among participants recruited via dating apps (n=660, 96.6%) compared to those recruited via social media (n=318, 78.9%) or other digital sources (n=85, 60.3%; P<.001). Participants recruited via social media were more likely than those recruited via dating apps to complete follow-up surveys at 3 different timepoints (odds ratios 1.52-2.09, P=.001-.008). These participants also spent a longer amount of time viewing intervention content about HPV vaccination (3.14 minutes vs 2.67 minutes; P=.02).

CONCLUSIONS: We were able to recruit a large national sample of young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men for a web-based HPV vaccination intervention via multiple methodologies. Participants differed on a range of demographic and health-related characteristics, as well as metrics related to study engagement, based on whether they were recruited from social media, a dating app, or some other digital recruitment source. Findings highlight key issues and considerations that can help researchers better plan and customize future web-based recruitment efforts of young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04032106; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04032106.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/16294.

PMID:39752644 | DOI:10.2196/64668

J Forensic Odontostomatol. 2024 Dec 30;42(3):39-52. doi: 10.5281/zenodo.14505540.

ABSTRACT

The age estimation of skeletal remains still represents a central issue not only for the reconstruction of the so-called “biological profile,” but mostly for the palaeodemographic investigation. This research aims at verifying the feasibility of the adult age estimation method developed on living people by Pinchi et al. (2015 and 2018), for estimating the age at the death of 37 subjects from ancient populations found in two different Italian necropolis of archaeological interest (Mont’e Prama and Florence, X-IX century B.C and V-VI century A.D respectively). The method is conservative and based on a geometrical approximation of dental volumes of the upper central left incisors on CBCT scans. The statistical distribution of the age and errors followed the Bayesian approach proposed by Sironi et el. (2018) applying the “a priori” values according to the estimates/classification obtained with anthropological methods (morphological). Results show higher accuracy for Mont’e Prama remains than for the Florentine sample due to the different characteristics of the two ancient populations (estimates varying from 18.4 up to 28.7 years with a maximum error of 6,14 years for Mont’e Prama, and from 15.88 up to 43.37 years with a minimum error of 1 year up to a maximum error of 7,85 years for Florence). The method proposed and validated on modern living people can represent a reliable tool for estimating the age of ancient human remains with a significant palaeodemographic value for archaeologists/anthropologists. Mont’e Prama sample could be defined as a homogenous group of males aged around 20-30 years, probably warriors, soldiers, or athletes; Florentine sample as an inhomogeneous group of males and females from different families buried all together in a small area out of the city due to the probable occurrence of a special healthy emergency in the city.

PMID:39752638 | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.14505540

PLoS One. 2025 Jan 3;20(1):e0298495. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298495. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This meta-analysis examined the relationship between age-related hearing loss (ARHL) and depression in older adults, and further explored whether this relationship is moderated by age and gender.

METHODS: We searched in 4 English databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Ultimately, we identified 9 studies, involving 3 cohort studies and 6 cross-sectional studies. We used Hedges’ g as the effect size, and all pooled analyses were performed using random-effects models.

RESULTS: ARHL patients had higher depressive symptom scores than non-ARHL older adults (g = 0.52). When divided into subgroups based on study type, a large effect size was demonstrated in the cross-sectional study group (g = 0.68) and was not statistically different in the cohort study group (g = 0.06). Meta-regression results showed that the effect size of depression in older adults with ARHL was significantly associated with the percentage of females (t = 5.97, p = 0.000) and not significantly associated with age (t = 0.94, p = 0.364).

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ARHL are more likely to be depressed than older adults with normal hearing, and this relationship is influenced by the gender of the patients.

PMID:39752630 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0298495

PLoS One. 2025 Jan 3;20(1):e0315692. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0315692. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Relevant research has provided valuable insights into risk factors for bicycle crashes at intersections. However, few studies have focused explicitly on three common types of bicycle crashes on road segments: overtaking, rear-end, and door crashes. This study aims to identify risk factors for overtaking, rear-end, and door crashes that occur on road segments.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analysed British STATS19 accident records from 1991 to 2020. Using multivariate logistic regression models, we estimated adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for multiple risk factors. The analysis included 127,637 bicycle crashes, categorised into 18,350 overtaking, 44,962 rear-end, 6,363 door, and 57,962 other crashes.

RESULTS: Significant risk factors for overtaking crashes included heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) as crash partners (AOR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.27-1.33), and elderly crash partners (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.94-2.09), and decreased risk in rural area with speed limits of 20-30 miles per hour (AOR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.43-0.47). For rear-end crashes, noteworthy risk factors included unlit darkness (AOR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.40-1.57) and midnight hours (AOR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.21-1.40). Factors associated with door crashes included urban areas (AOR = 16.2, 95% CI = 13.5-19.4) and taxi or private hire cars (AOR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.57-1.69). Our joint-effect analysis revealed additional interesting results; for example, there were elevated risks for overtaking crashes in rural areas with elderly drivers as crash partners (AOR = 2.93, 95% CI = 2.79-3.08) and with HGVs as crash partners (AOR = 2.62, 95% CI = 2.46-2.78).

CONCLUSIONS: The aforementioned risk factors remained largely unchanged since 2011, when we conducted our previous study. However, the present study concluded that the detrimental effects of certain variables became more pronounced in certain situations. For example, cyclists in rural settings exhibited an elevated risk of overtaking crashes involving HGVs as crash partners.

PMID:39752629 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0315692

PLoS One. 2025 Jan 3;20(1):e0315495. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0315495. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Sexual behavior among youth is a public health concern, particularly in contexts where cultural norms, socio-economic factors, and access to comprehensive sexual education play pivotal roles. This paper aims to examine the determinants of sexual behavior among Nepali youths.

METHODS: This study analyzed data from 7,122 individuals aged 15-24 years from the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2022, focusing on a nationally representative sample. This study assessed the prevalence of sexual behaviors, including premarital sex, recent sexual activity, and multiple sexual partners. Determinants examined included socio-demographic characteristics, media use, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted to determine the associations between social determinants and sexual behaviors.

RESULTS: The prevalence of premarital sex among the youth was 10.4%, with 15% of male youths reporting recent sexual activity and 2.8% having sexual intercourse with multiple partners. Variables significantly associated with premarital sex included older age groups (AOR = 2.81; 95% CI: 1.98-3.99), male (AOR = 7.87; 95% CI: 5.00-12.39), sales occupations (AOR = 2; 95% CI:1.12-3.57), smoking (AOR = 2.71; 95% CI:1.74-4.23), smokeless tobacco products (AOR = 1.94; 95% CI:1.12-3.34), and alcohol consumption (AOR = 2.97; 95% CI:2-4.41). Variables significantly associated with recent sexual activity included older age groups (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI:1.46, 3.03), being unmarried (AOR = 9.34; 95% CI:5.19-16.82), smoking (AOR = 2.01; 95% CI:1.33-3.05), use of smokeless products (AOR = 1.7; 95% CI:1.98-3.67), and alcohol consumption (AOR = 1.91; 95% CI:1.30-2.82). Youths using smokeless products had higher odds (AOR = 3.33; 95% CI:1.75-6.35) of having multiple sexual partners compared to those youths not using smokeless products.

CONCLUSION: Social determinants, along with smoking and alcohol consumption, were associated with sexual behaviors among youth. This study highlights the need for multicomponent health promotion (new public health) interventions which consider multi-level strategies, including culturally tailored sexual health programs, drug use behaviors, healthy lifestyle choices, comprehensive sexual health education for evidence-based interventions.

PMID:39752621 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0315495

Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm. 2025 Mar;12(2):e200362. doi: 10.1212/NXI.0000000000200362. Epub 2025 Jan 3.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the serum cytokine profile in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) at onset and during follow-up and assess their utility for predicting relapses and disability.

METHODS: This retrospective multicentric cohort study included patients aged 16 years and older meeting MOGAD 2023 criteria, with serum samples collected at baseline (≤3 months from disease onset) and follow-up (≥6 months from the baseline), and age-matched and time to sampling-matched patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Eleven cytokines were assessed using the ELLA system. Data comparisons and statistical analyses between cytokine levels and clinical outcomes were performed.

RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients with MOGAD and 32 patients with MS were included. Patients with MOGAD showed higher IL6 (p = 0.036), IL8 (p = 0.012), and IL18 (p = 0.026) baseline levels compared with those with MS, in non-optic neuritis (ON) presentations. BAFF values increased over time, especially in patients with MOGAD treated with anti-CD20 (p = 0.002). Baseline BAFF, CXCL10, IL10, and IL8 levels correlated with disease severity at MOGAD onset (all p < 0.05). Finally, higher baseline BAFF levels predicted lower risk of relapses (hazard ratio 0.41 [0.19; 0.89], p = 0.024).

DISCUSSION: This study suggests a proinflammatory Th17-dominant profile in non-ON MOGAD patients, with a novel finding of a potential protective role of BAFF on relapses. These results shed new light on the pathogenesis of MOGAD, potentially guiding therapeutic decisions.

PMID:39752619 | DOI:10.1212/NXI.0000000000200362

JCO Glob Oncol. 2025 Jan;11:e2400445. doi: 10.1200/GO-24-00445. Epub 2025 Jan 3.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The use of social media is transforming physician-patient communication, mainly in the field of medical oncology. The pattern of social media use by medical oncologists is poorly studied. Therefore, we developed a survey to understand the preferences, experiences, opinions, and expectations of Italian medical oncologists and oncology fellows regarding the use of social media in cancer medicine to identify the different profiles of social media users.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicentric, cross-sectional, observational study included oncologists or oncology fellows from Italy, who were surveyed from July to December 2023 on their use of social media. Data were analyzed through K-means clustering, and the Hartigan-Wong algorithm was applied to identify different profiles of social media users among the participants.

RESULTS: Of the 245 participants who accepted the invitation, 116 completed the entire survey and were included in the cluster analysis. Three profiles of social media users were identified through clustering: the highly social, the social skeptic, and the moderately social, accounting for 31%, 31%, and 38% of the participants, respectively. In general, older age (P = .0001), being a specialized oncologist (P = .003), and a higher mean time spent on social media (P = .0001) were associated with a greater consideration of the professional use of social media.

CONCLUSION: The use of social media among medical oncologists and oncology fellows represents a spectrum ranging from the social skeptic user to the highly social. Age, professional status (specialist or fellow), and frequency on social media use were associated with different patterns, opinions, and behaviors related to social media use.

PMID:39752614 | DOI:10.1200/GO-24-00445

Trends Psychiatry Psychother. 2025 Jan 3. doi: 10.47626/2237-6089-2024-0797. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The offspring of parents with bipolar disorder (BD) and with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have a higher risk of having the same condition. Both disorders also share psychopathological symptoms; however, little is known about their genetic overlap. To examine whether the offspring of parents with BD have a greater chance of being affected by ADHD, we conducted a systematic review.

METHODS: From inception to August 12, 2024, we searched the PubMed, SciELO, PsycInfo and Cochrane databases. We included studies if they investigated the association of parental bipolar disorder with offspring outcomes and made a proper investigation of disorders using validated instruments based on the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) criteria. Studies were excluded if: parents were under 18 years old or over 70; did not report original data; systematic reviews; in vitro studies; with an animal model; offspring older than 17 years of age or with any comorbid diagnosis with ADHD. To assess risk of bias, two authors independently used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale quality assessment tool.

RESULTS: 23 articles met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the studies reported that the offspring of parents with BD were at higher risk for ADHD. Particularly, in all case‒control studies, the risk of ADHD was higher in the case group than the control group.

CONCLUSION: The current studies are yet heterogeneous and literature did not uncover the biological correlation of these disorders regarding genetic, biochemical, neuroimaging and neuropsychological aspects.

PMID:39752609 | DOI:10.47626/2237-6089-2024-0797