Tag: nevin manimala

Australas J Ageing. 2026 Jun;45(2):e70155. doi: 10.1111/ajag.70155.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Older adults faced heightened vulnerability during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to increased mortality. This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on COVID-19-related mortality among the main ethnic groups in long-term care during the Delta-Omicron wave in New Zealand.

METHODS: We used national health datasets (interRAI Long Term Care Facility, COVID-19 immunisation, COVID-19 test results, mortality) from August 2021 to August 2022. Multi-state modelling assessed transition hazards from infection to COVID death and other causes of death among Māori, Pacific, Asian and European residents. Transition hazard ratios compared the risk of transitioning from infection to COVID versus non-COVID death.

RESULTS: A total of 34,147 long-term care residents (female: 64.0%, mean age: 84.8 years SD = 8.5) were included. For Māori aged < 85, Asians < 63 and Europeans < 93 who had 3+ doses of vaccine, the risk of COVID death was statistically lower than non-COVID death. Unvaccinated residents showed higher hazards for transitioning to COVID death. For Pacific peoples, transition hazard ratios were not statistically significant, likely due to small sample size. However, successive vaccine doses suggested reduced COVID mortality.

CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 vaccination reduced the risk of COVID deaths across ethnicities in New Zealand’s long-term care. However, the level of protection offered by the vaccine varied by ethnicity and age.

PMID:41964395 | DOI:10.1111/ajag.70155

J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother. 2026 Apr 11:1-7. doi: 10.1080/15360288.2026.2655779. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Oral mucositis (OM) pain in patients undergoing cancer treatments remains inadequately managed with conventional treatments. This study aimed to examine pain outcomes associated with methylene blue (MB) mouthwash compared with a standard supportive care mouthrinse in hospitalized patients with OM.

METHODS: In this open label, non-randomized clinical trial, patients selected MB (0.05%) or standard-of-care mixed medication mouthwash. Both groups performed an oral rinse every 8 h for three days. The primary outcome was change in pain numeric rating scores (0-10) from pre-administration to post-administration. Secondary outcomes included changes in daily oral intake volume and opioid use.

RESULTS: Forty-three evaluable patients were included in the analysis. Using a linear mixed model with subject-specific intercepts, both treatment groups demonstrated statistically significant reductions in pain from pre- to post- administration (standard of care: estimate=-0.64, 95% CI [-1.23, -0.05], p = 0.034; MB estimate=-0.87, 95% CI [-1.31, -0.42], p < 0.001). The administration timing-by-treatment interaction effect was not statistically significant, indicating that pain reduction did not differ significantly between groups.

CONCLUSIONS: In this non-randomized study, MB mouthwash was associated with short-term pain reductions in OM-related pain similar to standard-of-care mouthwash. These findings support feasibility and tolerability and underscore the need for larger randomized trials.

PMID:41964386 | DOI:10.1080/15360288.2026.2655779

J Prosthodont. 2026 Apr 11. doi: 10.1111/jopr.70135. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to characterize a mucoadhesive gel containing nystatin (NYS) or chlorhexidine (CHX), complexed or not with β-cyclodextrin (βCD), and evaluate its rheological and mucoadhesive properties, antifungal efficacy, cytocompatibility, and collagen synthesis potential.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mucoadhesive formulations were produced using chitosan and hydroxyethylcellulose, incorporating NYS or CHX at 32 mg/g, or complexed with βCD (NYS:βCD, equivalent to 16.1 mg/g of NYS, and CHX:βCD, equivalent to 4.8 mg/g of CHX), and compared to a pure gel (GEL) and a commercially available 2% miconazole gel (DK). The formulations were evaluated for their rheological and mucoadhesive properties; antifungal activity against Candida albicans by halo inhibition, XTT metabolic assay, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC); cytocompatibility in an organotypic oral mucosa model by LIVE/DEAD and Alamar Blue metabolic assay; and collagen synthesis potential by fluorometric quantification. All microbiological and cytocompatibility tests were performed using mucoadhesive leachates. Statistical analysis was performed (α = 0.05).

RESULTS: Elastic behavior was predominant in the formulations, and greater mucoadhesiveness was observed in the complexed groups (p < 0.05). Limited antifungal activity was found in the GEL and DK groups, while the NYS, NYS:βCD, CHX, and CHX:βCD formulations exhibited significantly superior antifungal efficacy (p < 0.05). While formulations containing CHX significantly reduced cellular metabolic activity, those containing NYS demonstrated better cytocompatibility and increased collagen production.

CONCLUSION: The mucoadhesive gel containing NYS:βCD optimized both antifungal activity without compromising its rheological, mucoadhesive properties, and cytocompatibility at lower therapeutic doses compared to noncomplexed NYS. These findings suggest significant advantages for the treatment of oral candidiasis.

PMID:41964385 | DOI:10.1111/jopr.70135

Clin Psychol Psychother. 2026 Mar-Apr;33(2):e70263. doi: 10.1002/cpp.70263.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Despite the high prevalence of posttraumatic symptoms in early childhood, there remain significant gaps in clearly defined or widely accepted treatments specifically adapted for young children. This shortcoming highlights the urgent need for developmentally sensitive, evidence-based psychological interventions targeting children who have experienced trauma during early childhood.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a Trauma-Focused Interaction module integrated into Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (TFI-PCIT) and to preliminarily evaluate its effectiveness in reducing trauma-related symptoms and behavioural difficulties in traumatized children aged 2-8 years, as well as its impact on parental stress and burnout.

METHOD: A fully integrated mixed-methods randomized controlled design was employed. A total of 19 parent-child dyads were assigned through stratified block randomization to an intervention group (n = 9) or control group (n = 10). The intervention group received the TFI-PCIT module, while the control group received no intervention during the study period. Between-group differences were analysed using linear mixed models, and within-group changes were examined with independent samples t-tests. Postintervention qualitative interviews were conducted to deepen interpretation of outcomes.

RESULTS: Compared to controls, children who received TFI-PCIT demonstrated statistically significant reductions in trauma symptoms and behavioural problems. Parents in the intervention group showed significant decreases in parenting stress and burnout. Qualitative findings reinforced quantitative results, indicating improved emotional regulation and strengthened parent-child interactions.

CONCLUSION: These findings provide preliminary evidence that TFI-PCIT may be a promising, developmentally sensitive intervention for young traumatized children and their caregivers.

PMID:41964379 | DOI:10.1002/cpp.70263

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2026 Apr;25(4):e70749. doi: 10.1111/jocd.70749.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy and cryotherapy are treatment options for actinic keratosis; however, their efficacy and safety remain debated.

AIMS: To perform a high-quality systematic review and meta-analysis exploring the efficacy and safety of photodynamic therapy and cryotherapy in actinic keratosis.

METHODS: A systematic search was performed applying the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Science Direct, Ovid, EBSCO, Wiley, and Google Scholar for randomized controlled trials.

RESULTS: A total of seven studies with 1233 patients were identified. PDT and cryotherapy showed similar success in clearing lesions (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.92-1.13; p = 0.74). While both treatments performed comparably on the head and face (RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.94-1.28; p = 0.24), data from one trial suggested cryotherapy might be more effective for lesions on the arms and legs (RR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.82-0.94; p < 0.05). However, more research is needed to confirm this finding. Cosmetic outcomes were significantly better for PDT (74.62% vs. 49.11%: RR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.4-1.65; p < 0.00001) than cryotherapy. Similarly, PDT was superior to cryotherapy in patient satisfaction though the overall difference was not statistically significant (RR, 1.43; 95% CI, 0.91-2.25; p = 0.12). PDT was associated with a significantly higher risk of burning sensations and pain (RR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.27-3.02; p = 0.002), whereas cryotherapy more frequently led to vesicles and blisters.

CONCLUSION: Lesion clearance may depend on location. It is comparable for head and face lesions, while data from one trial suggests cryotherapy may be better for extremity lesions. PDT is associated with a higher occurrence of pain/burning, while cryotherapy leads to more vesicles/blisters. Future research should focus on standardized protocols, including blinded post-treatment assessments to improve reliability and minimize bias.

PMID:41964358 | DOI:10.1111/jocd.70749

New Phytol. 2026 Apr 11. doi: 10.1111/nph.71148. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Leaf deciduousness is a key drought-avoidance strategy in tropical flora, reducing water loss during seasonal dry periods. While winter-deciduousness in temperate regions is well-understood, the evolutionary and environmental drivers of dry-season deciduousness remain poorly explored. Using the genus Mimosa, a species-rich and morphologically diverse lineage, we applied an eco-evolutionary framework to investigate the role of dry-season deciduousness across time and space. We combined a time-sliced trait-dependent diversification model, analyses of joint evolution of environmental niches in relation to leaf habit (deciduous vs evergreen), and phylogenetic multilevel models to test whether deciduousness influenced diversification and to identify its environmental drivers. Lineages switch from evergreen to deciduous habit more frequently before c. 7 Ma, whereas deciduous to evergreen transitions and increased speciation rates of evergreen lineages became dominant after this time. Deciduous lineages exhibited faster evolutionary rates along gradients of vapor pressure deficit, which also emerged as the strongest environmental predictor of deciduousness. However, most variation in leaf habit was explained by species-level (nonphylogenetic) variation and phylogeny. Although deciduous lineages respond rapidly to atmospheric dryness, dry-season deciduousness appears to be primarily shaped by the interplay between species identity and shared ancestry rather than by environmental conditions alone.

PMID:41964351 | DOI:10.1111/nph.71148

Anat Histol Embryol. 2026 May;55(3):e70108. doi: 10.1111/ahe.70108.

ABSTRACT

The radial artery is a vital access point for various cardiovascular and neurological interventions yet detailed morphometric studies in African populations are limited. This study aimed to investigate the radial artery dimensions in thirty adult body donors housed in the Department of Clinical Anatomy, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. The external and internal diameters, along with wall thickness of the radial artery, were measured at three anatomical sites viz. the point of origin, at the wrist joint and in the anatomical snuffbox bilaterally using a digital vernier calliper in sixty upper limb specimens (BREC/00006978/2024). There was a progressive distal tapering pattern, with the external diameters of the radial artery decreasing from its point of origin to the anatomical snuffbox. The internal diameter of the radial artery was 2.98 ± 0.76 mm at the origin, 2.20 ± 0.75 mm at the wrist joint and 1.75 ± 0.69 mm in the anatomical snuffbox. The wall thickness of the radial artery also decreased distally, from its point of origin to the anatomical snuffbox. There were no statistically significant differences between biological sex or laterality. The internal radial artery diameters suggest that a 5 French (5Fr) sheath may be suitable in 32% of upper limbs at the wrist and in 38% of upper limbs in the anatomical snuffbox. The findings of this study can contribute to the existing knowledge in this field and may help clinicians during cardiovascular and neurological interventional procedures within this select sample.

PMID:41964349 | DOI:10.1111/ahe.70108

J Dent Educ. 2026 Apr 11. doi: 10.1002/jdd.70223. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the validity of panoramic anatomical virtual reality (VR) software among senior dental students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 79 fourth-year dental students were randomly divided into two groups in this crossover study. Students’ knowledge of panoramic anatomical landmarks was tested. The study group (VR-lecture) first received VR-based instruction and then lecture-based instruction, while the control group (lecture-VR) first received lecture-based instruction and then VR-based instruction. Both groups were tested before and after each learning method via an online 20-question quiz. In each group, there was a 1-week interval between primary and secondary learning methods. Student feedback was collected via an online survey.

RESULTS: The control group scored significantly higher in the VR posttest (independent samples t-test, p = 0.020), but no difference was found in posttest scores after the lecture (p = 0.681). Within-group comparisons showed a statistically significant increase in scores in both groups, but the study group demonstrated a significant increase from the VR pretest (13.58 ± 3.3) to the lecture posttest (16.61 ± 2.3) with a higher mean gain of 3.03 points (paired samples t-test, p < 0.001) than the control group. All students expressed strong positive attitudes in regard to VR’s effectiveness, ease of use, and motivational benefits.

CONCLUSION: Both groups showed statistically significant improvement in test scores. However, the study group demonstrated higher overall gain, suggesting that VR is a supplementary educational tool that may enhance initial conceptual understanding, which can then be reinforced through traditional didactic teaching.

PMID:41964332 | DOI:10.1002/jdd.70223

J Rural Health. 2026 Mar;42(2):e70151. doi: 10.1111/jrh.70151.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Veteran use of Veteran Health Administration (VHA)-purchased community care (CC) for mental health has accelerated at a faster pace compared to both primary care and emergency services. Few studies have conducted an in-depth exploration of rural Veteran experience using community mental health. This paper focuses on the voices of rural Veterans, with the aim of exploring advantages and disadvantages for Veterans receiving mental health services through CC.

METHODS: We conducted interviews with rural Veterans, using purposive sampling to identify Veterans through the Integrated Veteran Care Consolidated Data Sets who were enrolled in VHA medical centers in the southcentral United States, had received CC for mental health, and were living in a rural area. Interviews asked Veterans about their experience with receiving community mental health care. We used thematic analysis to organize quotes and present salient themes from interviews.

FINDINGS: We interviewed 30 Veterans. We highlight four findings: (1) Most Veterans were pleased with the mental health care they received through the community. (2) Some Veterans reported instances of unprofessionalism and recognized a lack of military expertise among community providers. (3) Rural Veterans continue to face access barriers and noted limited availability of community mental health providers. (4) Difficulty with navigating multiple health systems impacted some rural Veterans’ continuity of care.

CONCLUSIONS: While CC has improved access to mental health care for Veterans, there are concerns related to the quality of care and continuity gaps for rural Veterans.

PMID:41964331 | DOI:10.1111/jrh.70151

Nurs Open. 2026 Apr;13(4):e70545. doi: 10.1002/nop2.70545.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To examine knowledge, attitude and practice of research utilization among clinical nurses and midwives using the Rogers theory of Diffusion of innovation.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional design.

METHODS: Quantitative with multistage sampling of 400 clinical nurses and midwives in six hospitals in Kumasi, Ghana. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Exploratory and inferential statistical analysis was carried out using Stata 16.

RESULTS: The findings indicated that the majority of respondents had moderate knowledge (71%), a negative attitude (56.2%), and did not practice (76.5%) research utilization. Hierarchical log-linear analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between research utilization knowledge and practice. Thus, nurses and midwives with more knowledge were more likely to use it. However, knowledge did not significantly affect their attitude towards research utilization. Similarly, attitude did not significantly affect practice. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed gender (male), practising for less than 10 years and profession (nursing) had higher odds of implementing research findings in their practice, with none being statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: Despite moderate research utilization knowledge, participants had a negative attitude and poor practice aligning with Rogers’ theory that attitude influences the decision to adopt an innovation. While research utilization knowledge was significantly associated with improved practice, it did not influence attitude, nor did attitude impact practice. This shows a significant disparity between respondents’ knowledge and practice highlighting a gap between knowledge and practice. Therefore, targeted interventions, including continuous professional development and institutional support, are essential to enhance research utilization knowledge, foster positive attitudes, and improve practice. Further research is needed to explore the underlying factors influencing research utilization in nursing and midwifery.

PMID:41964329 | DOI:10.1002/nop2.70545