Nevin Manimala

Forensic Sci Int. 2024 Nov 19;366:112304. doi: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112304. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Skeletonized human remains from Second World War mass graves in Slovenia are a major challenge in genetic identification, and bones with a high DNA yield must be selected for successful identification. The goal of this study was to construct skeletal sampling strategy recommendations through comparison of the most appropriate groups of skeletal elements. Altogether, 566 bones and teeth from the same mass grave were compared, half analyzed in this study and half in previous studies performed by our group. After anthropological examination, mechanical and chemical cleaning was performed, followed by bone and tooth powdering. Total demineralization of 0.5 g of bone and tooth was followed by extraction and purification of DNA with a Biorobot EZ1 device (Qiagen). The qPCR PowerQuant kit (Promega) was used to measure the amount of DNA, and statistical analysis was performed. Skeletal elements were selected according to known better preservation of DNA in the human body, and they were arranged in seven groups: petrous bone, long bones (femur and tibia), torso bones (first rib and 12th vertebra), metacarpals, metatarsals, short and sesamoid bones (talus, navicular, medial cuneiform, cuboid, calcaneus, and patella), and teeth. Sampling strategy recommendations were constructed based on DNA quantity and quality results. The petrous bone group, metacarpal group, torso bone group, and short and sesamoid bone group produced the highest DNA yields. Accordingly, in addition to standard sampling of long bones (femurs and tibias) and teeth, those additional bone types should be collected for Slovenian Second World War victim identification.

PMID:39577023 | DOI:10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112304

Res Dev Disabil. 2024 Nov 21;155:104881. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104881. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Restrictive repetitive behaviors (RRBs) and sensory processing disorders are core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Their relationship is reported, but existing data are conflicting as to whether they are related but distinct, or different aspects of the same phenomenon.

AIMS: This study investigates this relationship using artificial neural networks (ANN) analysis and an innovative data mining analysis known as Auto Contractive Map (Auto-CM), which allows to discover hidden trends and associations among complex networks of variables (e.g. biological systems).

METHODS AND PROCEDURES: The Short Sensory Profile and the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised were administered to 45 ASD children’s caregivers (M 78 %; F 22 %; mean age 6 years). Questionnaires’ scores, clinical and demographic data were collected and analyzed applying Auto-CM, and a connectivity map was drawn.

OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: The main associations shown by the resulting maps confirm the known relationship between RBBs and sensory abnormalities, and support the existence of sensory phenotypes, and important links between RRBs and sleep disturbance in ASD.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Our study demonstrates the usefulness of ANNs application and its easy handling to research RBBs and sensory abnormalities in ASD, with the aim to achieve better individualized rehabilitation technique and improve early diagnosis.

PAPER’S CONTRIBUTION: Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviors and interests and alteration of sensory elaboration are core symptoms of ASD; their impact on patients’ quality of life is known. This study introduces two main novelties: 1) the simultaneous and comparative use of two parent questionnaires (SSP and RBS-R) utilized for RRBs and alteration of sensory profile; 2) the application of ANNs to this kind of research. ANNs are adaptive models particularly suited for solving non-linear problems. While they have been widely used in the medical field, they have not been applied yet to the analysis of RRBs and sensory abnormalities in general, much less in children with ASD. The application of Auto Contractive Map (Auto-CM), a fourth generation ANNs analysis, to a dataset previously explored using classical statistical models, confirmed and expanded the associations emerged between SSP and RBS-R subscales and demographic-clinical variables. In particular, the Low Energy subscale has proven to be the central hub of the system; interesting links have emerged between the subscale Self-Injurious Behaviors and the variable intellectual disability and between sleep disturbance and various RRBs. Expanding research in this area aims to guide and modulate an emerging targeted and personalized rehabilitation therapy.

PMID:39577022 | DOI:10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104881

Nurse Educ Today. 2024 Nov 19;145:106499. doi: 10.1016/j.nedt.2024.106499. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The nursing profession has experienced a growing influx of international nursing students pursuing nursing degrees in the current era. Predicting and controlling culture shock among this special group is a critical issue as it shapes their academic engagement. Building resilience capabilities among this set of students is a pivotal necessity to buffer the effect of culture shock on their academic engagement.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between culture shock and academic engagement among international nursing students, and investigate the moderating effect of resilience on this relationship.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional correlational study.

SETTING: Three faculties of nursing at Egypt.

PARTICIPANTS: A total of 252 international nursing students were assessed for eligibility. Twelve students were excluded, and out of the 240 respondents to the survey, 233 responses were valid and were ultimately analyzed.

METHODS: A hand-delivered anonymous questionnaire in Arabic and English that consisted of four parts was used to collect the data. It included students’ characteristics and relevant data, the culture shock questionnaire, the academic resilience scale, and the university student engagement inventory. The data collection spans from the beginning of November 2023 to the end of December 2023. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and linear regression were employed via SPSS and Process Macro to test the hypothetical relationships among the study variables.

RESULTS: There was a significant negative correlation between culture shock and the academic engagement of international nursing students. Culture shock and resilience are powerful predictors of their academic engagement. The moderating effect of resilience on the relationship between culture shock and the academic engagement of international nursing students was statistically significant, making it less negative.

CONCLUSION: Culture shock is an inevitable phenomenon among international nursing students and has a negative effect on their academic engagement and performance. This negative effect could be buffered by maximizing the resilience capabilities of this set of students.

PMID:39577017 | DOI:10.1016/j.nedt.2024.106499

Rev Med Inst Mex Seguro Soc. 2024 Sep 2;62(5):1-11. doi: 10.5281/zenodo.12668072.

ABSTRACT

Health systems require instruments that allow the generation of real, concrete, specific and objective information that can be named, classified, shared and compared internationally. Nowadays, this premise is possible, thanks to the specific and particular characteristics of information technologies needs in health, the speed in the generation of knowledge, the technological changes in telecommunications and its current development. However, there are areas of opportunity in information systems that make difficult this paradigm. Many of these areas are in the hands of health professionals themselves, who work directly with primary sources of information. Given this panorama, by applying an awareness and measurement tool, we can contribute to identifying areas of opportunity in order to favor the adequate recording of information, mainly hospital discharges, which has an impact on the biased and incorrect generation of morbidity statistics and hospital mortality, the diversion of financial, human, and material resources and, of course, the impossibility of implementing hospital management tools such as diagnostic related groups (DRG). It is interesting that in order for certain areas of opportunity to occur, in this case those related to the clinical record, it is investigated the feeling that each worker has about the work environment in their organization, that is to say, about the work environment, if they feel taken into account, trained, fed back, valued and part of the positive change in their work environment so that they feel motivated to do their work in accordance with regulations.

PMID:39577016 | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.12668072

Rev Med Inst Mex Seguro Soc. 2024 Sep 2;62(5):1-9. doi: 10.5281/zenodo.12668066.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Gender-based violence (GBV) is a widely underestimated issue in middle-income countries. Despite the fact that there is documented evidence of its existence, it is unknown the frequency and perception of GBV in primary care. Understanding this is crucial for the development of intervention strategies that can mitigate the impact of GBV in these communities.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and perception of GBV in women attending a primary care clinic in the North of Mexico.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional survey study was conducted on female adults, beneficiaries from a family medical unit. Demographic data were collected, and the VIDOFyP questionnaire (Domestic Violence: Frequency and Perception Inventory) was used to assess the frequency and perception of GBV in different domains. Results were compared according to demographic variables, using the JASP software.

RESULTS: A total of 385 women with an average age of 44.2 years were surveyed. Social violence was the most common, followed by psychological and economic violence. The perception of severity was highest for physical violence. Significant differences in the perception of violence were found based on marital status, with separated women reporting higher levels in various domains.

CONCLUSIONS: GBV must be addressed in different domains, especially in separation contexts. The results provide valuable information for developing interventions and policies aimed at preventing and supporting women in vulnerable situations.

PMID:39577010 | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.12668066

R I Med J (2013). 2024 Dec 2;107(12):30-35.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities experience significant health disparities related to sexual health, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Improved access to culturally congruent primary care and sexual health services, including HIV/STI prevention and care, are needed. We describe how we developed a new community-based LGBTQ+ primary care clinic and implemented safety-net sexual health and STI screening and care services in Providence, Rhode Island.

METHODS: Open Door Health in Providence, Rhode Island, was started in 2020 to improve access to HIV/STI care and prevention services, primary care, and gender- affirming care for the LGBTQ+ community. We reviewed demographics and behaviors of patients presenting for STI screening services from February 2021 to October 2023 at the clinic. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate demographics and behaviors among patients testing positive for HIV and other STIs.

RESULTS: A total of N=1,633 people presented for STI screening. Of these, 56% were 30 years or younger, 65% identified as male, 24% as female, and 9% as non-binary or gender diverse. Forty-three percent were MSM, 19% were Black/African American (B/AA), and 22% were Hispanic/Latino (H/L). Seventy-one percent reported two or more partners in the last three months. The prevalence of STIs was 22.3% (4.4% syphilis, 7.5% gonorrhea, and 9.7% chlamydia). Those who tested positive for an STI were more likely to be B/AA (23.3% of B/AA individuals versus 15.9% of White, p<0.05), H/L (23.1% versus 17.4%, p<0.05), and MSM (25% versus 16.9%, p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Open Door Health provides important safety-net STI services for the LGBTQ+ community. Individuals presenting for services had a high prevalence of HIV/STIs. Improved approaches are needed for HIV/STI care and prevention in this group, including among B/AA and H/L communities.

PMID:39576999

R I Med J (2013). 2024 Dec 2;107(12):27-29.

ABSTRACT

Since 2022, mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) has emerged as a sexually-associated infection that disproportionately impacts gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). Fortunately, the JYNNEOS vaccine, which was initially developed for smallpox, has demonstrated significant efficacy against mpox and was distributed across the United States. In January 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that Rhode Island ranked first among the 50 states for rates of full vaccination coverage (two doses) against mpox among people at increased risk including GBMSM, and second among the 50 states for rates of partial vaccination (single dose).1 The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), in partnership with other state agencies, clinicians, and community-based organizations, succeeded in rapid outbreak response focusing on community engagement and health equity to address the mpox epidemic.

PMID:39576998

R I Med J (2013). 2024 Dec 2;107(12):9-12.

ABSTRACT

Over the past 10 years, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have seen a significant resurgence in the United States despite the availability of effective treatments and reliable prevention methods. Rhode Island has experienced a similar uptick in the incidence of syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea, with many cases occurring among gay, bisexual, men who have sex with men (GBMSM), which coincides with a recent concerning rise in congenital syphilis cases. We reviewed the most recent STI trends for the state of Rhode Island in 2022. During this year, 6,883 cases of STIs were reported to the Department of Health (N=5,199 chlamydia, 1,444 gonorrhea, and 240 infectious syphilis cases). Compared to 2012, this represented a 21%, 185%, and 253% increase in chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis infections, respectively. Since 2020, eight cases of congenital syphilis have been reported. Prior to 2020, no cases of congenital syphilis were reported since 2009. This resurgence is mainly attributed to shifting social and behavioral trends, particularly among younger individuals and shared sexual networks across diverse groups.1 Further efforts and resources are needed to effectively address these concerning trends in STIs.

PMID:39576994

J Med Internet Res. 2024 Nov 22;26:e52498. doi: 10.2196/52498.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Studies show that the use of information and communications technologies (ICTs), including smartphones, tablets, computers, and the internet, varies by demographic factors such as age, gender, and educational attainment. However, the connections between ICT use and factors such as ethnicity and English proficiency, especially among Asian American older adults, remain less explored. The technology acceptance model (TAM) suggests that 2 key attitudinal factors, perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU), influence technology acceptance. While the TAM has been adapted for older adults in China, Taiwan, Singapore, and Korea, it has not been tested among Asian American older adults, a population that is heterogeneous and experiences language barriers in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the relationships among demographics (age, gender, educational attainment, ethnicity, and English proficiency), PU, PEOU, and ICT use among low-income Asian American older adults. Two outcomes were examined: smartphone use and ICT use, each measured by years of experience and current frequency of use.

METHODS: This was a secondary data analysis from a cross-sectional baseline survey of the Lighthouse Project, which provided free broadband, ICT devices, and digital literacy training to residents living in 8 affordable senior housing communities across California. This analysis focused on Asian participants aged ≥62 years (N=392), specifically those of Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino, and other Asian ethnicities (eg, Hmong and Japanese). Hypotheses were examined using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and hierarchical regression analysis.

RESULTS: Younger age, higher education, and greater English proficiency were positively associated with smartphone use (age: β=-.202; P<.001; education: β=.210; P<.001; and English proficiency: β=.124; P=.048) and ICT use (age: β=-.157; P=.002; education: β=.215; P<.001; and English proficiency: β=.152; P=.01). Male gender was positively associated with PEOU (β=.111; P=.047) but not with PU (β=-.031; P=.59), smartphone use (β=.023; P=.67), or ICT use (β=.078; P=.16). Ethnicity was a significant predictor of PU (F_4,333=5.046; P<.001), PEOU (F_4,345=4.299; P=.002), and ICT use (F_4,350=3.177; P=.01), with Chinese participants reporting higher levels than Korean participants, who were the reference group (β=.143; P=.007). PU and PEOU were positively correlated with each other (r=0.139, 95% CI=0.037-0.237; P=.007), and both were significant predictors of smartphone use (PU: β=.158; P=.002 and PEOU: β=.166; P=.002) and ICT use (PU: β=.117; P=.02 and PEOU: β=0.22; P<.001), even when controlling for demographic variables.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings support the use of the TAM among low-income Asian American older adults. In addition, ethnicity and English proficiency are significant predictors of smartphone and ICT use among this population. Future interventions should consider heterogeneity and language barriers of this population to increase technology acceptance and use.

PMID:39576987 | DOI:10.2196/52498

JMIR Res Protoc. 2024 Nov 22;13:e63329. doi: 10.2196/63329.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Motor imagery (MI) is a cognitive process that has been shown to be useful in the rehabilitation process after brain injury. Moreover, functional electrical stimulation (FES) and virtual reality (VR) have also been shown to be effective interventions in many parameters, and there is some evidence of their contribution to the improvement of MI capacity.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the improvements in MI parameters, grip strength, and manual dexterity obtained using VR, FES, and selective FES based on multifield electrodes in healthy people.

METHODS: This clinical randomized controlled trial (RCT)with 4 branches will involve 80 healthy university students, with blinded third-party assessment. Participants will be divided into 4 groups: control (no intervention), selective FES (Fesia Grasp), traditional FES (Globus Elite), and Virtual Rehab Hands (Leap Motion sensor). Each group will receive 5 daily sessions, and assessments will be conducted at baseline, postintervention, and follow-up. The Movement Imagery Questionnaire-Revised (MIQ-RS) and chronometry will be used to assess MI, strength will be measured with a digital dynamometer, and manual dexterity will be evaluated with the Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT) and the Box and Block Test (BBT). Statistical analyses will include 2-way repeated-measures ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni correction to compare group differences over time, with nonparametric tests (eg, Kruskal-Wallis) being used if normality or variance assumptions are violated. The study will be organized into 3 phases: preparation, data collection, and analysis. The preparation phase will involve finalizing project protocols and obtaining ethical approvals. The data collection phase will consist of recruiting participants, randomizing them into 4 intervention groups, and conducting baseline assessments, followed by intervention sessions. Finally, the analysis phase will focus on evaluating the data collected from all groups and compiling the results for presentation.

RESULTS: The study received approval in July 2023, with recruitment and data collection starting in September 2023. The recruitment phase was expected to conclude by July 2024, and the entire study, including the 2-week follow-up, was set to finish in September 2024. As of July 2024, we had enrolled 100% of the sample (N=80 students). We plan to publish the study findings by the end of 2024.

CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in MI and upper limb functionality are expected, particularly in the selective FES group. This RCT will identify which intervention is most effective in enhancing these skills, with potential benefits for patients with neurological motor disorders.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06109025; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06109025.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/63329.

PMID:39576986 | DOI:10.2196/63329