Nevin Manimala

PLoS One. 2024 Dec 27;19(12):e0316071. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0316071. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

In the business context, effectively responding to negative reviews is critical for a hotel to maintain reputation and customer relations. To explore the linguistic devices employed in addressing guest complaints, a corpus-based study is conducted on the use of interactional metadiscourse and identity construction in responses to negative online reviews of Chinese and British Hotels. Drawing upon the statistical results of the usage of interactional metadiscourse and the analysis of discourse examples, this study delves into the frequency and similarities/differences in the employment of five subcategories of interactional metadiscourse across the respective corpora of 100 responses to negative reviews from hotels in Beijing and hotels in London. Furthermore, the study examines the characteristics and similarities/ differences of the identity construction of manager, communicator, doer and advisor with the use of interactional metadiscourse. The findings reveal that there are significant differences between the two sides in the use of self-mentions, boosters, hedges and positive attitude markers, while there is little difference in the use of engagement markers and negative attitude markers. The most constructed identity by both sides is the communicator, and the least is the adviser, with little difference. The identity of manager is significantly more prevalent in responses from hotels in Beijing, whereas hotel responders in London exhibit a notably greater tendency to construct the identity of doer. The similarities and variances of interactional metadiscourse use and identity construction indicate the two sides’ distinctive priorities in interactions with guests and different cultural values, which provide valuable insights for hotels on the effective use of metadiscourse to construct multiple identities, revealing that the strategically crafted responses play a pivotal role in shaping favorable images, fostering harmonious relationships with customers and promoting sustainable development of the hotels.

PMID:39729493 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0316071

PLoS One. 2024 Dec 27;19(12):e0316045. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0316045. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Further evidence is required regarding the influence of metal mixture exposure on mortality. Therefore, we employed diverse statistical models to evaluate the associations between eight urinary metals and the risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

METHODS: We measured the levels of 8 metals in the urine of adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2018. Based on follow-up data, we determined whether they died and the reasons for their deaths. We estimated the association between urine metal exposure and all-cause mortality using Cox regression, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models. Additionally, we used a competing risk model to estimate the relationship between metal exposure and cardiovascular mortality.

RESULTS: Among the 14,305 individuals included in our final analysis, there were 2,066 deaths, with 1,429 being cardiovascular-related. Cox regression analysis showed that cobalt (Co) (HR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.30) and antimony (Sb) (HR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.40) were positively associated with all-cause mortality (all P for trend <0.001). In the competing risk model, Co (HR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.48), lead (Pb) (HR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.37), and Sb (HR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.18, 1.75) were significantly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality (all P for trend <0.001). Sb, Pb, cadmium (Cd), and molybdenum (Mo) had the highest weight rankings in the final WQS model. All metals showed a complex non-linear relationship with all-cause mortality, with high posterior inclusion probabilities (PIPs) in the final BKMR models.

CONCLUSIONS: Combining all models, it is possible that Sb may have a more stable impact on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Meaningful metal effects in individual statistical models still require careful attention.

PMID:39729492 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0316045

PLoS One. 2024 Dec 27;19(12):e0313042. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0313042. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 virus’s frequent mutations have made disease control with vaccines and antiviral drugs difficult; as a result, there is a need for more effective coronavirus drugs. Therefore, detecting the expression of various diagnostic biomarkers, including ncRNA in SARS-CoV2, implies new therapeutic strategies for the disease.

AIM: Our study aimed to measure NEAT-1, miR-374b-5p, and IL6 in the serum of COVID-19 patients, demonstrating the correlation between target genes to explore the possible relationship between them. Also, the association between target genes and patients’ clinical findings and radiological severity indices will be explored.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The current study included 48 COVID-19-infected individuals and 40 controls. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was performed to detect lncRNA NEAT-1 and miRNA374b-5p fold change (FC) in the participants’ sera. Enzyme-Linked Immune Sorbent Assay (ELISA) is used to detect IL6.

RESULTS: Our results showed statistical significance with lower levels of (NEAT-1) [ median (range) = 0.08 (0.001-0.602)], and (miR374b-5p) [ median (range) = 0.14 (.01-7.16)] while higher IL-6 levels [ median (range) = 41.3 (7.2-654) pg/ml] when compared to controls with p-value <0.001. Serum level of NEAT-1 correlates negatively with IL-6 level (r = -.317, P = .008). ROC curve analysis revealed that sensitivity and specificity tests for NEAT-1 and IL-6 levels in the diagnosis of cases illustrated a sensitivity of (100% and 97.9%) and a specificity of (85% and 100%) at cut-off values (0.985 and 12.55), respectively. In comparison, miR374b-5p showed sensitivity and specificity of around 85% in distinguishing COVID-19 patients from controls. No significant association was detected between target genes and radiological severity indices.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study is the first to detect decreased NEAT-1 and miR374b-5p expression in COVID-19 patients’ serum. There was also an increase in IL6 levels. There is a negative correlation between NEAT-1 and IL6 in COVID-19 patients.

PMID:39729489 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0313042

PLoS One. 2024 Dec 27;19(12):e0316261. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0316261. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Lung cancer, one of the leading causes of death due to neoplasms, requires prompt diagnosis and immediate treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic affected healthcare systems worldwide, having adverse effects on all aspects, particularly on the fate of patients with suspected neoplastic diseases. Limited access to healthcare, disruptions in regular operations (reassigning roles to some wards), postponed hospital admissions, prolonged diagnostic processes, and other factors have collectively led to the phenomenon known as COVID-19 debt.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis covered statistical data concerning the diagnosis of lung cancer obtained from three centres in northern Poland (Olsztyn, Bydgoszcz, Gdansk) and concerning years 2016 to 2022. Relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for cancer event were calculated. Before the pandemic, these centers prioritized the diagnosis of suspected lung cancer cases, which was subsequently disrupted during the pandemic due to various factors.

RESULTS: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a decrease in diagnosed lung cancer cases, especially in hospitals repurposed for COVID-19 care. A statistically significant trend in lung cancer incidence per 100,000 inhabitants was observed specifically in healthcare centers that maintained normal operations without disruption.

CONCLUSION: The concept of the COVID debt helps explain changes in lung cancer diagnosis during and post-pandemic, highlighting the need for increased public awareness and intensified diagnostic efforts to facilitate earlier disease detection.

PMID:39729487 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0316261

Schizophr Bull. 2024 Dec 27:sbae176. doi: 10.1093/schbul/sbae176. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: Respective abnormal structural connectivity (SC) and functional connectivity (FC) have been reported in individuals with schizophrenia. However, transmodal associations between SC and FC following antipsychotic treatment, especially in female schizophrenia, remain unclear. We hypothesized that increased SC-FC coupling may be found in female schizophrenia, and could be normalized after antipsychotic treatment.

STUDY DESIGN: Sixty-four female drug-naïve patients with first-diagnosed schizophrenia treated with antipsychotic drugs for 8 weeks, and 55 female healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were collected from HCs at baseline and from patients at baseline and after treatment. SC and FC were analyzed by network-based statistics, calculating nonzero SC-FC coupling of the whole brain and altered connectivity following treatment. Finally, an Elastic-net logistic regression analysis was employed to establish a predictive model for evaluating the clinical efficacy treatment.

STUDY RESULTS: At baseline, female schizophrenia patients exhibited abnormal SC in cortico-cortical, frontal-limbic, frontal-striatal, limbic-striatal, and limbic-cerebellar connectivity compared to HCs, while FC showed no abnormalities. Following treatment, cortico-cortical, frontal-limbic, frontal-striatal, limbic-striatal, temporal-cerebellar, and limbic-cerebellar connectivity were altered in both SC and FC. Additionally, SC-FC coupling of altered connectivity was higher in patients at baseline than in HC, trending toward normalization after treatment. Furthermore, identified FC or/and SC predicted changes in psychopathological symptoms and cognitive impairment among female schizophrenia following treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: SC-FC coupling may be a potential predictive biomarker of treatment response. Cortico-cortical, frontal-limbic, frontal-striatal, limbic-striatal, temporal-cerebellar, and limbic-cerebellar could represent major targets for antipsychotic drugs in female schizophrenia.

PMID:39729483 | DOI:10.1093/schbul/sbae176

Int J Methods Psychiatr Res. 2025 Mar;34(1):e70011. doi: 10.1002/mpr.70011.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Heterogeneity of treatment effect (HTE) is a concern in substance use disorder (SUD) treatments but has not been rigorously examined. This exploratory study applied a causal forest approach to examine HTE in psychosocial SUD treatments, considering multiple covariates simultaneously.

METHODS: Data from 12 randomized controlled trials of nine psychosocial treatments were obtained from the National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network. Using causal forests, we estimated the conditional average treatment effect (CATE) on drug abstinence. To assess HTE, we compared CATE variance against total outcome variability, conducted an omnibus test, and applied the Rank-Weighted Average Treatment Effect (RATE).

RESULTS: Across nine interventions, CATE variance was lower than total outcome variability, indicating lack of strong evidence of HTE with respect to the baseline covariates considered. The omnibus test and RATE analysis generally support this finding. However, the RATE analysis identified potential HTE in a motivational interviewing trial; this could be a false positive given the multiple analyses; replication is needed to confirm this.

CONCLUSIONS: While causal forests show utility in exploring HTE in SUD interventions, limited baseline assessments in most trials suggest a cautious interpretation. The RATE findings for motivational interviewing highlight potential subgroup-specific treatment benefits, warranting further research.

PMID:39729473 | DOI:10.1002/mpr.70011

PLoS One. 2024 Dec 27;19(12):e0312749. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0312749. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

Multitasking (MT)-performing more than one task at a time-has become ubiquitous in everyday life. Understanding of how MT is learned could enable optimizing learning regimes for tasks and occupations that necessitate frequent MT. Previous research has distinguished between MT learning regimes in which all tasks are learned in parallel, single-task (ST) learning regimes in which all tasks are learned individually, and mixed learning regimes (Mix) in which MT and ST regimes are mixed. Research using simple laboratory tasks has consistently shown that MT regimes are the most efficient-the so-called dual-task practice advantage. However, it is currently unclear which learning regimes are used in everyday life, and which regime people would prefer if given a choice. To answer these questions, 72 participants completed an online survey to describe their real-life experiences of MT learning (e.g., when learning to drive), their opinions about learning MT activities, and filled out the Multitasking Preference Inventory to assess polychronicity. Descriptive statistics showed that for everyday activities, particularly learning to drive, Mix regimes were both the most used and most preferred method, whereas MT regimes were the least preferred. A potential explanation is that everyday MT tasks are typically complex, and so people prefer to learn the individual tasks first, before combining the tasks into an MT learning regime. Preference to engage in MT, as assessed by the MPI, positively correlated (Pearson’s r = .24) with preference for MT learning regimes, suggesting that individual differences in learning of complex everyday MT activities can be determined. In conclusion, everyday life multitasking activities such as learning to drive are mostly learned in Mix regimes, i.e. a combination of ST and MT training, and people’s preference to learn such activities with MT regimes increases with their level of polychronicity.

PMID:39729471 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0312749

PLoS One. 2024 Dec 27;19(12):e0316163. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0316163. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Home-based rehabilitation involves professional rehabilitation care and guidance offered by physical, occupational, and speech therapists to patients in their homes to help them recuperate in a familiar living environment. The effects on the patient’s motor function and activities of daily living (ADLs), and caregiver burden for community-dwelling patients are well-documented; however, little is known about the immediate benefits in patients discharged from the hospital. Therefore, we examined the effects of continuous home-based rehabilitation immediately after discharge to patients who received intensive rehabilitation during hospitalization.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 150 patients [mean (standard deviation, SD) = 81 (9) years] discharged from the convalescent rehabilitation and community-based integrated care wards undergoing tailored home-based rehabilitation for 6 months (provided by physical or occupational therapists: 1-2 sessions of 40-60 min each per week). The outcome measures at baseline and after 3 and 6 months were compared.

RESULTS: The participants included in this study had orthopedic (n = 76), cerebrovascular (n = 50), neuromuscular (n = 11), cardiovascular (n = 5), respiratory (n = 3), cancer (n = 3) and other diseases (n = 2). The mean (SD) time from discharge to the start of rehabilitation was 4 (4) days. One-way analysis of variance and post-hoc comparisons showed significant improvements at 3 months from baseline in grip strength (p = 0.002), 5-repetition sit-to-stand test (p < 0.001), Standing test for Imbalance and Disequilibrium test (p = 0.025), Functional Independence Measure (p < 0.001), modified Frenchay Activities Index (p < 0.001). Additionally, a statistically significant improvement was observed in the Japanese Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview score at 6 months from baseline (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Home-based rehabilitation improves motor function, ADLs, and instrumental ADLs even after intensive inpatient rehabilitation and decreases the burden of the caregiver in the long term. Hence, tailored home-based rehabilitation should be continuously implemented after the completion of intensive inpatient rehabilitation.

PMID:39729469 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0316163

JAMA Netw Open. 2024 Dec 2;7(12):e2451341. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.51341.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) may develop adult rheumatic diseases later in life, and prolonged or recurrent disease activity is often associated with substantial disability; therefore, it is important to identify patients with JIA at high risk of developing adult rheumatic diseases and provide specialized attention and preventive care to them.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the full extent of the genetic association of JIA with adult rheumatic diseases, to improve treatment strategies and patient outcomes for patients at high risk of developing long-term rheumatic diseases.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In this genetic association study of 4 disease genome-wide association study (GWAS) cohorts from 2013 to 2024 (JIA, rheumatoid arthritis [RA], systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE], and systemic sclerosis [SSc]), patients in the JIA cohort were recruited from the US, Australia, and Norway (with a UK cohort included in the meta-analyzed cohort), while patients in the other 3 cohorts were recruited from US and Western European countries. All analyses were conducted between September 2023 and April 2024.

EXPOSURES: Genetic associations.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Genetic correlations and shared genomic loci between JIA and adult rheumatic diseases. Genetic correlation analyses and cross-trait meta-analysis were conducted on the JIA cohort and the summary statistics of the GWASs from adult rheumatic diseases (RA, SLE, and SSc). Mendelian randomization analyses were also conducted.

RESULTS: This study included 33 207 patients across the 4 cohorts, with 4550 patients in the meta-analyzed JIA cohort (JIA cohort: 1485 patients with arthritis onset before 16 years; 1017 female [68.5%]; 10 352 controls; UK cohort: 3305 patients with JIA; 9196 controls), 143 61 patients in the RA cohort, 5201 patients in the SLE cohort; and 9095 patients in the SSc cohort. After the GWAS result of the JIA cohort was meta-analyzed with the UK JIA cohort, there was a total of 4550 JIA cases and 18 446 controls. The analysis revealed a significant global correlation between JIA and adult rheumatic diseases, with 84 regions harboring signals associated with multiple diseases. Cross-trait analyses uncovered novel disease loci and 20 loci associated with JIA and adult diseases. Mendelian randomization analysis revealed the significant association of 11 proteins with rheumatic disorders. Both shared, organ-specific, and disease-specific critical cell types were highlighted.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this genetic association study, there was significant genetic overlap between JIA and adult rheumatic diseases. These findings may help to refine JIA classification, risk stratification, and therapeutic strategy of repurposing adult disease drugs for pediatric patients with similar mechanisms.

PMID:39729320 | DOI:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.51341

JAMA Netw Open. 2024 Dec 2;7(12):e2452652. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.52652.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: A growing body of literature suggests the presence of a prodromal period with nonspecific signs and symptoms before onset of multiple sclerosis (MS).

OBJECTIVE: To systematically assess diseases and symptoms diagnosed in the 5 years before a first MS- or central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating disease-related diagnostic code in pediatric patients compared with controls without MS and controls with another immune-mediated disorder, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This population-based, matched case-control study included children and adolescents (aged <18 years) in Germany with statutory health insurance from January 2010 to December 2020. The study population consisted of 3 groups: case individuals with MS, control individuals without MS, and control individuals with JIA. Data were analyzed from November 2023 to April 2024.

EXPOSURES: Diagnoses coded according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision, German Modification (ICD-10-GM).

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES: The main outcome was incident cases of MS, defined as the first confirmed diagnosis of MS (ICD-10-GM code G35) in 1 quarter between 2013 and 2020 and at least 1 additional diagnosis in the following quarters. In total, 163 ICD-10-GM codes before a first MS diagnosis were assessed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS: The study population consisted of 1091 children and adolescents with MS, 10 910 without MS, and 1068 with JIA. Of the children and adolescents with MS, 788 (72.2%) were female. Mean (SD) age at disease diagnosis was 15.7 (1.7) years. Nine ICD-10-GM codes were present more frequently among children and adolescents with MS in the 5 years before their first MS diagnosis than among controls without MS: obesity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.70; 95% CI, 1.42-2.02), disorders of eye refraction and accommodation (AOR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.09-1.47), visual disturbances (AOR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.10-1.55), gastritis and duodenitis (AOR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.08-1.70), patella disorders (AOR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.13-1.90), heartbeat abnormalities (AOR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.27-2.96), flatulence (AOR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.01-2.01), skin sensation disturbances (AOR, 12.93; 95% CI, 8.98-18.62), as well as dizziness and giddiness (AOR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.22-1.89). Four of these ICD-10-GM codes were significantly more prevalent in children and adolescents with MS than in controls with JIA: obesity (AOR, 3.19; 95% CI, 2.03-5.02), refraction and accommodation disorders (AOR, 3.08; 95% CI, 2.33-4.08), visual disturbances (AOR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.13-2.33), and skin sensation disturbances (AOR, 27.70; 95% CI, 6.52-117.64).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this population-based, matched case-control study, children and adolescents with MS had diverse metabolic, ocular, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular symptoms, signs, or diagnoses within 5 years before their first MS diagnosis. Better characterization of early symptoms and/or risk factors, comorbid disorders, and possible prodromal features of MS may have considerable implications for early recognition and subsequent progression of the disease.

PMID:39729316 | DOI:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.52652