Tag: nevin manimala

Heliyon. 2024 Dec 12;11(1):e41147. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e41147. eCollection 2025 Jan 15.

ABSTRACT

Sleep stages classification one of the essential factors concerning sleep disorder diagnoses, which can contribute to many functional disease treatments or prevent the primary cognitive risks in daily activities. In this study, A novel method of mapping EEG signals to music is proposed to classify sleep stages. A total of 4.752 selected 1-min sleep records extracted from the capsleep database are applied as the statistical population for this assessment. In this process, first, the tempo and scale parameters are extracted from the signal according to the rules of music, and next by applying them and changing the dominant frequency of the pre-processed single-channel EEG signal, a sequence of musical notes is produced. A total of 19 features are extracted from the sequence of notes and fed into feature reduction algorithms; the selected features are applied to a two-stage classification structure: 1) the classification of 5 classes (merging S1 and REM-S2-S3-S4-W) is made with an accuracy of 89.5 % (Cap sleep database), 85.9 % (Sleep-EDF database), 86.5 % (Sleep-EDF expanded database), and 2) the classification of 2 classes (S1 vs. REM) is made with an accuracy of 90.1 % (Cap sleep database),88.9 % (Sleep-EDF database), 90.1 % (Sleep-EDF expanded database). The overall percentage of correct classification for 6 sleep stages are 88.13 %, 84.3 % and 86.1 % for those databases, respectively. The other objective of this study is to present a new single-channel EEG sonification method, The classification accuracy obtained is higher or comparable to contemporary methods. This shows the efficiency of our proposed method.

PMID:39807512 | PMC:PMC11728888 | DOI:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e41147

Heliyon. 2024 Dec 13;11(1):e41000. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e41000. eCollection 2025 Jan 15.

ABSTRACT

A green methodology for the synthesis of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from coffee husk without the use of any toxic solvents is proposed in this work. Sonochemical exfoliation of biochar, obtained from the thermal carbonization of coffee husk (from a certified coffee seeds) at low temperature in an air-restricted atmosphere, is described as an alternative procedure for the sustainable production of CQDs. The synthesized CQDs exhibited blue fluorescence with a strong maximum emission band at 410 nm when excited at a maximum absorption wavelength of 330 nm. The obtained CQDs were evaluated by various physicochemical methods. According to the results, TEM investigation indicates the average size of CQDs is 8.27 ± 1.57 nm with a quasi-spherical morphology. The aim of this study is to optimize the synthesis parameters and compare them with common preparation strategies. This paper reports the main requirements for reproducible and scalable production of CQDs solution, such as the mass of the precursors for each process, for the first time. The conversion and yield percentages on a dry basis, mass of CQDs powder agglomerates, and the specific time duration for each individual step are provided to compensate for the variability of the raw material and facilitate statistical comparison of the methodology. A TEM micrographs analysis for CQDs reconstitution process was conducted, which can be considered a potential mechanism for CQDs agglomeration process.

PMID:39807508 | PMC:PMC11728949 | DOI:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e41000

Heliyon. 2024 Dec 12;11(1):e41161. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e41161. eCollection 2025 Jan 15.

ABSTRACT

This research aims to monitor the hydrological drought trends within the geographical confines of Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt in the Blue Nile River Basin. Historical drought circumstances in the basin were analyzed through the utilization of the stream flow drought index (SDI). The long-term historical drought trend was investigated via the application of the Mann – Kendall Sen (MK) test. Streamflow data were collected at the border (GERD) (Ethiopia) and Khartoum and Dongola (Sudan) spanning the period from 1900 to 2001. Four distinct temporal scales were examined, including monthly (SDI1), seasonal (SDI3), bi-annual (SDI6), and annual (SDI12) frequency. Notably, SDI1, SDI3, and SDI6 exhibited a higher frequency of drought occurrences, whereas SDI12 demonstrated lower frequencies, accompanied by the longest duration of drought in all gauged stations. For the preceding 102-year period, two extreme drought events were identified across all stations: 1912/1913 and 1913/1914 in the Border and Dongola stations, and 1912/1913 and 1986/1987 in the Khartoum station. Moreover, the SDI12 results revealed that severe drought events manifested three, six, and four times, in the Border, Khartoum, and Dongola stations, respectively. Furthermore, an investigation of historical extreme and severe drought patterns led to the conclusion that extreme hydrological drought does not pose an imminent threat to downstream nations, including Egypt and Sudan. However, the trend analysis revealed that an increasing drought trend was observed in the Autumn season across all stations, while a positive trend characteristic of a wet condition was observed in the remaining seasons. Annual trend analysis did not show any statistically significant findings. Nevertheless, the study highlighted the imperative role of soil and water conservation measures in upstream countries, such as the Ethiopian highlands, in mitigating the prolonged effects of meteorological drought which gradually propagates into severe hydrological drought. Consequently, downstream nations must engage in cooperative efforts with upstream countries to address this issue collectively, rather than bestowing sole responsibility on the latter.

PMID:39807500 | PMC:PMC11728863 | DOI:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e41161

Heliyon. 2024 Dec 18;11(1):e41312. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e41312. eCollection 2025 Jan 15.

ABSTRACT

Political accountability is essential for maintaining trust and transparency in governance. However, the factors that influence political parties’ accountability remain underexplored in Nepal. This paper examines the factors influencing citizens’ perceptions of political parties’ accountability in Nepal, utilizing data from the National Governance Survey 2017/18 (N = 4191). A four-stage multiple cluster sampling technique was used to randomly select respondents from 43 out of 77 districts in Nepal. Data were collected between December 2017 and March 2018. Results from logistic regression analysis indicate that citizens’ perceptions of political parties’ honesty, transparency, adherence to rules, and corruption control significantly impact political parties’ accountability. While citizen engagement in political discussions was positively associated with political parties’ accountability, this factor did not demonstrate statistical significance. These findings highlight the importance of honesty, transparency, rule of law, and anti-corruption measures in fostering political parties’ accountability. This study contributes to the literature on democratic governance and offers practical insights for authorities seeking to strengthen accountable political institutions in Nepal. The insights of this paper provide a roadmap for political parties to prioritize ethical conduct, proactive information sharing, regulatory compliance, and anti-graft efforts to build public trust and accountability.

PMID:39807491 | PMC:PMC11728868 | DOI:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e41312

Health Sci Rep. 2025 Jan 12;8(1):e70257. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.70257. eCollection 2025 Jan.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the impact of comorbidity with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) on the survival rates and incidence of liver cancer in patients with alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD).

METHODS: Patients with ARLD and those with ARLD co-morbid with CHB were included in this study and designated as the ARLD group and the ARLD + HBV group, respectively. Propensity score matching (PSM) was then employed to compare survival rates and liver cancer development between these two groups.

RESULTS: Among the 404 patients, 254 were in the ARLD group and 150 in the ARLD + HBV group. After propensity score matching, each group comprised 67 patients. Initially, the ARLD + HBV group exhibited lower 5-year survival rates compared to the ARLD group (51.3% vs. 70.1%, p < 0.001). However, PSM mitigated this difference, with survival rates now comparable (61.2% vs. 60.9%, p = 0.390). Notably, the ARLD + HBV group showed a higher incidence of liver-specific mortality after matching (32.6% vs. 6.2%, p = 0.018). Furthermore, although a higher proportion of patients in the ARLD + HBV group developed liver cancer post-matching, the difference was not statistically significant compared to the ARLD group (15.7% vs. 9.8%, p = 0.170).

CONCLUSION: Co-morbidity with CHB in ARLD patients elevates the risk of liver-related mortality.

PMID:39807487 | PMC:PMC11725528 | DOI:10.1002/hsr2.70257

Health Sci Rep. 2025 Jan 13;8(1):e70338. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.70338. eCollection 2025 Jan.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: A catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is a life-threatening complication of hemodialysis. It is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality and a costly long hospital stay. Despite its burden, little is known about the factors associated with it and the antibiogram of its responsible causative bacteria. This study aimed to evaluate the determinants of hemodialysis CRBSI and the appropriate antibiogram for the isolated bacterial pathogens among patients attending the KCMC hemodialysis unit.

METHODS: A hospital-based retrospective analytical cross-sectional study involved adult patients with CKD or AKI undergoing hemodialysis at KCMC with tunneled or non-tunneled central venous catheters who attended from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022. Data were collected from the hospital’s electronic medical record system. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with CRBSI. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: A total of 286 patients were analyzed. The patients were predominantly males (70.6%), and more than half were above 55 years old (56%), with a mean age of 58 (SD ± 14.8) years. 56.6% developed CRBSI and were predominantly gram-positive (69.7%). Major associated factors were hypoalbuminemia of < 35 g/dL, diabetes mellitus, anemia of hemoglobin < 10 g/dL, and having a femoral central venous catheter. For gram-positive bacteria, the most efficient antibiotic was vancomycin, with an overall average efficacy of 99% for all isolates. For gram-negative bacteria, the most efficient antibiotic was meropenem, with an overall average efficacy of 82.1% for all isolates.

CONCLUSION: Over 50% of patients developed CRBSI and gram-positive bacteria were the major causative bacteria. Associated factors were multifactorial and preventive care would be ideal to reduce the number of CRBSI based on these findings.

PMID:39807485 | PMC:PMC11725762 | DOI:10.1002/hsr2.70338

Cureus. 2024 Dec 17;16(12):e75896. doi: 10.7759/cureus.75896. eCollection 2024 Dec.

ABSTRACT

Background Pre-pectoral implant-based breast reconstruction has become increasingly popular because it is associated with less postoperative pain and earlier recovery than traditional sub-pectoral techniques. Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in pre-pectoral reconstruction is thought to provide additional support for the implant and improve cosmetic outcomes. However, it leads to additional costs. This study aimed to compare the early outcomes of pre-pectoral implant-based breast reconstruction with and without mesh. Methodology An observational, single-surgeon, retrospective cohort analysis was conducted to evaluate patients who underwent one-stage pre-pectoral breast reconstruction between May 2019 and July 2023 at Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust. Patient characteristics such as demographics, implant size, and postoperative complications were noted and compared. Statistical significance between groups was evaluated using chi-square tests, and a p-value <0.05 was deemed statistically significant. Results A total of 101 patients were included, with 52 patients with ADM and 49 patients without ADM. In total, 60 implant reconstructions were included in each group. Patients in the ADM group were younger than patients in the cohort without the mesh (median = 50 versus 56 years). Patients with ADM also had a higher median volume of breast implants than patients without mesh (430 vs. 330 cc). There were statistically more patients requiring postoperative radiotherapy in the ADM mesh group (p = 0.049). The early postoperative outcomes in both groups were comparable with no statistical differences in the rate of infection, seroma requiring aspiration, or implant loss. Conclusions This study which is one of the few studies comparing one-stage pre-pectoral implant reconstruction with and without mesh demonstrated that pre-pectoral reconstruction with no ADM is cost-effective and associated with comparable early postoperative outcomes. Our early observational series showed satisfactory outcomes; however, further studies are required to investigate longer-term and patient-related outcomes.

PMID:39807470 | PMC:PMC11728804 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.75896

Cureus. 2024 Dec 14;16(12):e75705. doi: 10.7759/cureus.75705. eCollection 2024 Dec.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the effects of taper angle and the number of insertion-removal cycles on the retention force of 4 mol% yttria partially stabilized zirconia (4Y-PSZ) double crowns over time.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Primary and secondary crowns were fabricated using 4Y-PSZ with taper angles of 2°, 4°, and 6° (n=15). Retention force during crown removal was measured after applying 50-N and 100-N loads. Insertion-removal cycles were performed at 0, 2500, 5000, 7500, and 10,000 cycles, and retention force was assessed at each stage. Contact conditions between the inner and outer crowns were evaluated via color mapping at 0 and 10,000 cycles. Two-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis, followed by Tukey’s test for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS: Retention force significantly decreased with smaller taper angles and higher cycle numbers (p<0.01). For a taper angle of 4°, the initial retention force of 10.36 N decreased significantly to 5.98 N after 10,000 cycles (p<0.01). For a taper angle of 6°, the initial retention force of 1.64 N dropped to 0.03 N after 10,000 cycles. Color mapping revealed continuous contact along the axial surface, with strong point contacts, particularly in the central axial region. Smaller taper angles exhibited stronger contact points, which decreased with repeated cycles, indicating changes in contact conditions.

CONCLUSIONS: Higher retentive forces were achieved with increased loading pressures and smaller taper angles, while repeated insertion-removal cycles led to a progressive reduction in retention. These findings provide foundational data supporting the clinical application of 4Y-PSZ double crowns.

PMID:39807467 | PMC:PMC11728211 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.75705

Cureus. 2024 Dec 14;16(12):e75707. doi: 10.7759/cureus.75707. eCollection 2024 Dec.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is considered one of the most common gynecological malignancies with an increased incidence in developing countries. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a valuable role in staging cervical cancer and providing valuable information necessary for selecting the appropriate treatment plan, while closely correlating with the prognosis of the patient.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the diagnostic value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the preoperative loco-regional staging of cervical carcinoma. Our purpose is to establish apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of cervical carcinoma compared with normal cervical tissue and their variability based on different pathological characteristics of the lesions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: It is a retrospective analysis of 57 patients diagnosed with cervical cancer, who underwent MRI examinations. The study evaluated the aspect of the lesions on T2-weighted imaging, DWI, ADC maps, and pre- and post-contrast T1-weighted imaging with fat saturation.

RESULTS: The ADC mean values ranged between 0.63 × 10^-3 mm²/second and 0.99 × 10^-3 mm²/second (mean 0.79) for tumoral tissue and 1.33 × 10^-3 mm²/second and 1.74 × 10^-3 mm²/second (mean 1.59) for surrounding non-affected cervical tissue. The ADC mapping showed a decreasing trend with the increased sizes of the tumors (p<0.001). The ADC mean showed lower values with increased International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage of the tumors. The ADC mean value for cases that had spread to other organs (IVA+IVB) was significantly lower than that of the early stages (IB1 + IB2 + IIA2), stage IIB, and stages IIIA+IIIC1+IIIC2 (p<0.001). The ADC mean value of stage III disease was significantly lower than that of stage IIB, respectively early stages (p<0.001). The ADC mean value of the stage IIB tumor was significantly lower than that of the early stages (p<0.001). The differences in ADC mean values based on the histopathological type and differentiation grade were not statistically significant. The ADC mean value of the cases with positive pelvic lymph nodes was significantly lower than in those with negative lymph nodes (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION: ADC mean values of cervical carcinoma are significantly lower than those from unaffected uterine tissue and they also correlate with the severity of the disease. The advancements and additional capabilities DWI can bring are the elements of interest in this article. Using DWI means a more accurate capability in diagnosing cervical cancer, providing a compelling argument for its integration into standard clinical practice. This study discusses the quantitative imaging parameters of DWI such as ADC values, which can provide objective measurements for tumor evaluation. These parameters can be standardized and used across different institutions, enhancing the reproducibility and reliability of imaging findings.

PMID:39807463 | PMC:PMC11728805 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.75707

Cureus. 2024 Dec 13;16(12):e75654. doi: 10.7759/cureus.75654. eCollection 2024 Dec.

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the safety of three different daily dosages of a liquid blend containing kava and kratom (Feel Free® Classic Tonic {FFCT}) in healthy adults over six consecutive days of supplementation. Both kava and kratom have been used traditionally for hundreds of years, but there is limited data on the combined safety of these ingredients. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, the participants were assigned to receive one of three daily dosages of FFCT or placebo. Safety assessments included the monitoring of vital signs, clinical chemistry, hematology, and withdrawal symptoms using the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) and the Subjective Opiate Withdrawal Scale (SOWS). The results indicate that FFCT was safe, with mild to moderate adverse events (AEs) such as nausea, headaches, and fatigue, particularly in the high-dosage (HD) group. No significant changes in liver or kidney function were noted, and all vital signs remained within normal physiological ranges although some statistically significant changes in blood pressure (BP) and respiratory rate (RR) were observed. There were no clinically significant observations in COWS or SOWS scores despite a small but statistically significant increase in COWS total score in the high-dose group on day 7. Overall, FFCT appears safe for short-term use in healthy adults, with no significant impact on vital signs, laboratory values, or withdrawal symptoms.

PMID:39807458 | PMC:PMC11726919 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.75654