Nevin Manimala

Nonlinear Dynamics Psychol Life Sci. 2025 Jan;29(1):59-111.

ABSTRACT

Emergent phenomena exhibit interesting dynamics when considered individually. The present article examines two emergent processes that could be occurring simultaneously in an intense team interaction: the emergence of leaders and the emergence of autonomic synchrony within teams making dynamic decisions. In the framework of panarchy theory and related studies on complex systems, autonomic synchrony would be a fast dynamic that is shaped or controlled by leadership emergence, which is a slower dynamic. The present study outlines three distinct statistical distributions – the swallowtail catastrophe model for phase shifts, inverse power laws that indicate fractal processes, and lognormal distributions – that are known to characterize emergent processes of different types. The objective was to determine the extent to which the two emergent processes reflected the same dynamics. Research participants were 136 undergraduates who were organized into teams of three to five members playing the computer-game Counter-Strike while wearing GSR sensors to measure autonomic arousal levels in a steady stream. After approximately two hours of interaction, team members rated each other on leadership behaviors. Autonomic synchrony was analyzed as a driver-empath process that produced individual driver scores (the total influence of one person on the rest of the group) and empath scores (the total influence of the group on one person). Results showed that leadership emergence displayed the swallowtail configuration that was consistent with prior studies. Autonomic synchrony started as a simpler process and unfolded into a swallowtail catastrophe toward the end of the experimental session. Lognormal distributions were second-best representations of all variables. Inverse power laws were least descriptive of any of the research variables. The implications of the temporal dynamics of the co-emerging processes for training and team development are discussed.

PMID:39754464

Nonlinear Dynamics Psychol Life Sci. 2025 Jan;29(1):1-4.

ABSTRACT

The articles in this special issue examine the contributions of Jeffrey A. Goldstein to the understanding of emergence as a formal group of processes. Applications include work teams, organizations, ecologies of organizations, and societies. Prominent methodologies include agent-based modeling, qualitative analysis of publicly available business and governmental reports, structured analyses of team discussions, and nonlinear statistical analysis of time series data.

PMID:39754461

Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2025 Jan 4. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.16115. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The study was conducted to determine the effect of emotional freedom techniques (EFT) on the severity of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

METHODS: The study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial, with a premenstrual syndrome sample comprising 78 single female students of reproductive age presenting with PMS complaints (40 in the experimental group and 38 in the control group). Students in the experimental group were interviewed individually in the week before their menstrual cycle and received two EFT sessions with a 3-day interval.

RESULTS: The participants in the experimental group had higher post-test subjective units of experience (SUE) mean scores (experimental group mean 7.8 ± 1.7; control group mean 0.5 ± 5.7) and lower post-test PMS total (experimental group mean 76.8 ± 30.1; control group mean 127.4 ± 34.6) and subscale mean scores than the students in the control group, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). In repeated measures analysis, time-dependent change showed statistical significance between the groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The EFT was found to be an effective non-pharmacologic intervention for coping with PMS.

PMID:39754454 | DOI:10.1002/ijgo.16115

Ther Apher Dial. 2025 Jan 4. doi: 10.1111/1744-9987.14243. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) has shown potential in neurological, autoimmune, and cardiovascular disorders, but its effects on HD patients remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tVNS in HD patients.

METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled clinical trial on patients receiving HD ≥6 months. The tVNS group received stimulation for 1 h during the first 2 h of HD sessions, three times weekly for 8 weeks, while the control group received standard care. The primary outcomes were dialysis efficiency (Single-pool Kt/V, Sp Kt/V) and dialysis-related symptoms (Dialysis Symptom Index, DSI), assessed every 4 weeks. Secondary outcomes included pain and fatigue scores, physical performance, Hemodialysis Comfort Scale, hemoglobin levels, Mini-Mental State Examination, and anxiety and depression scores, measured at baseline and 8 weeks after intervention.

RESULTS: A total of 63 patients were enrolled in the study, with 32 patients assigned to the tVNS group and 31 patients to the control group. At 8 weeks, the tVNS group showed significant improvements in Sp Kt/V (1.31 ± 0.11 vs. 1.25 ± 0.10, p = 0.02), and DSI (12.09 ± 5.84 vs. 16.26 ± 5.27, p = 0.004), as well as reductions in pain and fatigue, and increases in physical function, comfort, and hemoglobin. However, there were no statistically significant changes observed in cognitive function, anxiety, or depression.

CONCLUSIONS: tVNS could improve dialysis efficiency, symptoms, and physical function in HD patients, indicating it may have a role as a complementary therapy.

PMID:39754453 | DOI:10.1111/1744-9987.14243

Am Surg. 2025 Jan 4:31348241312120. doi: 10.1177/00031348241312120. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The goal of our study is to evaluate the safest, efficient, and most cost-effective way to manage suspected choledocholithiasis. This retrospective study evaluated adult patients with suspected choledocholithiasis based on labs and imaging at a single institution between 2017 and 2022 and characterized them into 1 of 3 groups based on their management pathway: (1) ERCP-first, (2) MRCP-first, or (3) surgery-first with possible intraoperative cholangiogram pending laboratory trend. Our primary outcome was hospital length of stay. 34 patients (25%) had MRCP-first, 60 patients (45%) had ERCP-first, and 39 patients (30%) received surgery first. There was no statistically significant difference in the length of stay with respect to the management pathway utilized (P > .05); however, those admitted to a surgical service were discharged on average one day before those admitted to the medicine service (P = .01).

PMID:39754441 | DOI:10.1177/00031348241312120

J Orthop Surg Res. 2025 Jan 4;20(1):12. doi: 10.1186/s13018-024-05404-5.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis evaluates the comparative efficacy of lateral unicompartmental arthroplasty (UKA) versus medial UKA in treating unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

METHODS: We systematically searched Cochrane, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases from January 2000 to September 2024. Literature screening, quality assessment, and data extraction were conducted based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Review Manager 5.4 software was used to analyze postoperative functional scores, pain scores, aseptic loosening, progression of contralateral arthritis, and prosthesis survival.

RESULTS: Fifteen cohort studies, encompassing 2,592 knees with medial UKA and 614 knees with lateral UKA, were included. The analysis showed no statistically significant differences in functional scores [SMD = 0.11, 95% CI (- 0.10, 0.33), I² = 64%, P = 0.31], pain scores [SMD = 0.23, 95% CI: (- 0.22, 0.67), I² = 91%, P = 0.32], aseptic loosening [OR = 1.33, 95% CI: (0.31, 5.78), I² = 0%, P = 0.70], progression of contralateral arthritis [OR = 0.37, 95% CI: (0.07, 1.91), I² = 0%, P = 0.23], short- to intermediate-term survival [OR = 1.40, 95% CI: (0.84, 2.35), I² = 0%, P = 0.20], and long-term survival [OR = 1.12, 95% CI: (0.61, 2.05), I² = 0%, P = 0.70].

CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate no significant differences in functional outcomes, pain relief, aseptic loosening, progression of contralateral arthritis, or prosthesis survival between lateral and medial UKA. Thus, both approaches are reliable options for patients with unicompartmental KOA.

PMID:39754240 | DOI:10.1186/s13018-024-05404-5

BMC Health Serv Res. 2025 Jan 3;25(1):13. doi: 10.1186/s12913-024-12123-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cancer requires interdisciplinary intersectoral care. The Care Coordination Instrument (CCI) captures patients’ perspectives on cancer care coordination. We aimed to translate, adapt, and validate the CCI for Germany (CCI German version).

METHODS: The original English version contains 29 items in three domains, measured on a 4-point Likert scale (strongly disagree to strongly agree). Validation was conducted in three phases (mixed methods): (I) translation; (II) adaptation: pilot testing and revision in an iterative process using semi-structured, cognitive interviews with patients and professionals (physicians specializing in cancer), with interviews transcribed and qualitatively analyzed by inductive coding; and (III) validation: quantitative validation performed online (LimeSurvey), of at least 80 German patients, each with common cancer (breast, prostate) and rare cancer (different entities), with examination of factor structure (factor analysis) and determination of internal consistency (Cronbach’s α) as well as potential influencing factors such as gender, education, or migration background (multivariable regression).

RESULTS: Six patients and six professionals tested the translated instrument for comprehensibility, readability, and acceptability. Two items were consistently problematic for interviewees. A 31-item version (29 items + 2 alternative items) was validated in 192 patients. The alternative items had a higher variance in response behavior and were better understood; therefore, they replaced the two problematic items. However, the three original domains could not be confirmed statistically. Exploratively, a two-factorial structure (with cross-loadings) emerged, which can be interpreted as “communication/information” (16 items) and “need-based navigation” (17 items). Overall, the instrument had a high internal consistency (total score α = 0.931, M = 47.16, SD = 14.25; communication/information α = 0.924, M = 30.14, SD = 8.93; need-based navigation α = 0.868, M = 23.99, SD = 8.37). Significant factors on the care coordination score are treatment location (hospital vs. private practice oncologist M = -9.83 score points, p = 0.011) and gender (women vs. men M = 8.92 score points, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION: The CCI German version is a valid instrument for measuring patients’ perceptions of cancer care coordination. Both domains reflect important aspects of care. The sensitivity of the CCI should be examined in future studies involving different cancer entities.

PMID:39754236 | DOI:10.1186/s12913-024-12123-4

Chin Med. 2025 Jan 3;20(1):1. doi: 10.1186/s13020-024-01053-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This research aims to explore the anti-obesity potential of Wu-Mei-Wan (WMW), particularly its effects on adipose tissue regulation in obese mice induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). The study focuses on understanding the role of heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) in mediating these effects.

METHODS: HFD-induced obese mice were treated with WMW. Body weight, food intake, and histopathological analysis of adipose tissue were conducted. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity was evaluated using Positron Emission Tomography, and ultrastructural changes were examined via transmission electron microscopy. Proteomic analysis identified targets of WMW in obesity treatment. HSF1 expression was inhibited to confirm its role. Molecular docking studied interactions between WMW and HSF1. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the intestines were measured to determine if WMW’s effects on HSF1 are mediated through SCFAs. Protein expression was assessed using western blot, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and RT-qPCR were employed to detect the mRNA levels. Statistical analyses included t-tests, ANOVA, and non-parametric tests like the Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS: WMW significantly mitigates the adverse effects of a HFD on body weight and glucose metabolism in obese mice. Both low-dose WMW and high-dose WMW treatments led to reduced weight gain and improved glucose tolerance, with low-dose WMW showing more pronounced effects. WMW also reversed structural damage in BAT, enhancing mitochondrial integrity and thermogenic function, particularly at the low dose. Additionally, WMW treatment promoted the browning of WAT, evidenced by increased expression of key thermogenic proteins such as UCP1 and PGC-1α. The increase in HSF1 expression in both BAT and WAT, observed with WMW treatment, was crucial for these beneficial effects, as inhibition of HSF1 negated the positive outcomes. Furthermore, WMW treatment led to elevated levels of short-chain fatty acids SCFAs in the intestines, which are associated with increased HSF1 expression.

CONCLUSIONS: WMW represents a potent therapeutic strategy for obesity, promoting metabolic health and beneficial modulation of adipose tissue through an HSF1-dependent pathway.

PMID:39754217 | DOI:10.1186/s13020-024-01053-2

J Orthop Surg Res. 2025 Jan 3;20(1):5. doi: 10.1186/s13018-024-05434-z.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application value of arthroscopic channel modification in meniscal injury repair.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 100 patients with meniscus injuries treated with knee arthroscopy from December 2022 to December 2023 and divided them into a control group and a modified group according to the application of “arthroscopic access modification technology”. We compared the operation time, postoperative hospitalization time, VAS score, Lysholm knee function score, postoperative complications, and postoperative images of the patients in these two groups. We compared the operation time, postoperative hospitalization time, pre- and postoperative VAS scores, Lysholm knee function scores, postoperative complications and postoperative imaging indices of the patients in the two groups.

RESULTS: All patients successfully underwent surgery and were followed up without intraoperative vascular or nerve injury or postoperative complications such as infection, wound necrosis or thrombosis. The average follow-up time was 16.03 ± 3.69 months; the average operation time and postoperative hospitalization time of the modified group were significantly better than those of the control group were (P < 0.05); the pain and knee function of the two groups significantly improved over time (P < 0.05); and, compared with those of the control group, the modified group could obtain a more satisfactory score at an early stage of the postoperative period (P < 0.05), and the comparison of the intermediate and long-term scores of the two groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The improved arthroscopic access technique can make the entry and exit of instruments into and out of the joint cavity smoother, improve the surgical field of view, significantly shorten the operation time, reduce the occurrence of intraoperative complications, improve the function of patients’ knee joints earlier, and increase their satisfaction with the operation.

PMID:39754209 | DOI:10.1186/s13018-024-05434-z

Diabetol Metab Syndr. 2025 Jan 3;17(1):1. doi: 10.1186/s13098-024-01543-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To identify the relationship between BMI or lipid metabolism and diabetic neuropathy using a Mendelian randomization (MR) study.

METHODS: Body constitution-related phenotypes, namely BMI (kg/m²), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG), were investigated in this study. Despite the disparate origins of these data, all were accessible through the IEU OPEN GWAS database ( https://gwas.mrcieu.ac.uk/ ). Instrumental variables and F-statistics for each exposure-outcome pair were determined in weighted mode, weighted median, MR-Egger and Inverse-Variance Weighted (IVW) MR analyses. The p-value threshold was consistently set at 5.00E-08, following established methodology. The preliminary analysis utilized the IVW method to explore potential causal relationships between body constitution-related phenotypes and diabetic neuropathy. Inverse variance weighting, a technique amalgamating random variables, assigns weights inversely proportional to each variable’s variance, commonly used for merging findings from independent studies. The weighted median method provides a causal estimate even when up to 50% of the instruments are invalid, enhancing robustness. The weighted mode method identifies the most common causal effect, reducing bias when some instruments exhibit horizontal pleiotropy. The Wald ratio method was utilized to calculate exposure-outcome effects, employing a range of methodologies to ensure result accuracy across different scenarios. This study addresses the critical gap in understanding the causal relationship between BMI, lipid metabolism, and diabetic neuropathy (DN). Employing a MR approach, it highlights BMI as a predictive factor for DN progression, providing insights into potential risk management strategies.

RESULTS: IVW analysis showed that BMI (P = 0.033, OR = 2.53, 95% CI 1.08-5.96) and triglycerides level (P = 0.593, OR = 1.11, 95% CI 0.77-1.60) were positively associated with the initiation of DN, indicating that the values of BMI and triglycerides are potentially the risk factors in DN development. Additionally, TC was negatively associated with the DN (P = 0.069, OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.50-1.03).The forest plot of advanced analysis between BMI and DN relationship indicated a positive correlation between increasing BMI and the risk of DN. In addition, it is evident that with the increase in BMI, the risk of diabetic polyneuropathy also rises. This research demonstrates a positive association between BMI and DN risk (P = 0.033, OR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.08-5.96). However, no significant correlation was observed between triglycerides (P = 0.593) or total cholesterol (P = 0.069) and DN development, underscoring the complex interplay between lipid metabolism and DN.

CONCLUSION: This research demonstrates a positive association between the risk of DN and BMI, while no significant correlation exists between TG or TC and the development of DN. These results imply that BMI may serve as a predictive factor for the progression of DN.

PMID:39754202 | DOI:10.1186/s13098-024-01543-1