Tag: nevin manimala

Front Psychol. 2024 Dec 24;15:1501343. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1501343. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: When a child has a disability, their families face significant challenges that also impact parents’ and siblings’ mental health and adjustment. We examined the potential bidirectional relationships between parental mental health and sibling mental health and adjustment in families of children with a disability.

METHODS: We utilized baseline and 12-month follow-up data from a randomized controlled trial of a brief intervention designed to enhance parent-sibling communication in families of children with a disability. The sample comprised 214 siblings aged 8-16 years and their parents (N = 203 mothers, N = 124 fathers). We estimated bivariate latent change score models to examine the longitudinal cross-domain associations between changes in parental mental health and changes in sibling mental health, and changes in parental mental health and sibling adjustment.

RESULTS: The results showed that changes in maternal mental health and sibling adjustment over the 12-month period were correlated (r = 0.22). The cross-domain associations between changes in maternal mental health and sibling mental health and adjustment were not statistically significant in any of the two models. However, baseline sibling mental health had nearly doubled impact on changes in maternal mental health (Β = 0.232, p = 0.061) compared to maternal health’s impact on sibling mental health (Β = -0.134, p = 0.289). Models with paternal mental health data unfortunately did not run due to low paternal response rate at 12-months.

DISCUSSION: The findings suggest that whereas maternal mental health and sibling adjustment changes are correlated over time, the relationship between maternal and sibling measures does not necessarily operate bidirectionally. Future studies on family mental health dynamics should include data from fathers that may contribute to a broader understanding of these complex relationships.

PMID:39776971 | PMC:PMC11703835 | DOI:10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1501343

Front Psychol. 2024 Dec 24;15:1509392. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1509392. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: While the fact that visual stimuli synthesized by Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) may evoke emotional reactions is documented, the precise mechanisms that connect the strength and type of such reactions with the ways of how ANNs are used to synthesize visual stimuli are yet to be discovered. Understanding these mechanisms allows for designing methods that synthesize images attenuating or enhancing selected emotional states, which may provide unobtrusive and widely-applicable treatment of mental dysfunctions and disorders.

METHODS: The Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), a type of ANN used in computer vision tasks which models the ways humans solve visual tasks, was applied to synthesize (“dream” or “hallucinate”) images with no semantic content to maximize activations of neurons in precisely-selected layers in the CNN. The evoked emotions of 150 human subjects observing these images were self-reported on a two-dimensional scale (arousal and valence) utilizing self-assessment manikin (SAM) figures. Correlations between arousal and valence values and image visual properties (e.g., color, brightness, clutter feature congestion, and clutter sub-band entropy) as well as the position of the CNN’s layers stimulated to obtain a given image were calculated.

RESULTS: Synthesized images that maximized activations of some of the CNN layers led to significantly higher or lower arousal and valence levels compared to average subject’s reactions. Multiple linear regression analysis found that a small set of selected image global visual features (hue, feature congestion, and sub-band entropy) are significant predictors of the measured arousal, however no statistically significant dependencies were found between image global visual features and the measured valence.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the specific method of synthesizing images by maximizing small and precisely-selected parts of the CNN used in this work may lead to synthesis of visual stimuli that enhance or attenuate emotional reactions. This method paves the way for developing tools that stimulate, in a non-invasive way, to support wellbeing (manage stress, enhance mood) and to assist patients with certain mental conditions by complementing traditional methods of therapeutic interventions.

PMID:39776961 | PMC:PMC11703666 | DOI:10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1509392

Germs. 2024 Sep 30;14(3):277-286. doi: 10.18683/germs.2024.1438. eCollection 2024 Sep.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Dengue infection poses a serious threat to global public health, including Indonesia. The rapid spread and significant economic impact are crucial concerns for control efforts. Investigating risk factors of dengue virus infection is necessary to formulate effective strategies, particularly at the household level. This study aims to investigate contributing risk factors to dengue virus transmission in the Borobudur Subdistrict, Magelang, Indonesia, an area with persistently high dengue infection mortality rates.

METHODS: This study adopted a case-control design and utilized secondary data collected from six villages in the Borobudur Subdistrict. A total of 111 households (37 cases and 74 controls) participated in the study and completed a questionnaire encompassing: 1) Sociodemographic data; 2) Healthy housing components; 3) Sanitation and behavioral components; and 4) Dengue infection prevention practices. Data were analyzed bivariately using statistical software to identify differences in group proportions.

RESULTS: The findings of this study indicate that the presence of stagnant water (odds ratio [OR]: 5.02) and mosquito larvae (OR: 4.80) around the house, morning sleep habits (OR: 6.97), and lack of participation in anti-dengue programs (OR: 3.23) are significant risk factors (p<0.05) for dengue infection. However, no significant differences (p>0.05) were found in healthy housing components between the case and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS: This study has identified contributing risk factors to dengue virus transmission in the Borobudur Subdistrict. These results can serve as a foundation for designing more effective intervention programs for dengue infection and future prevention efforts.

PMID:39776959 | PMC:PMC11703583 | DOI:10.18683/germs.2024.1438

Pediatr Qual Saf. 2025 Jan 7;10(1):e786. doi: 10.1097/pq9.0000000000000786. eCollection 2025 Jan-Feb.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Young adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at the risk of poor outcomes when transferring to adult providers. We aimed to increase the percentage of patients with 14-17 years of age undergoing the transition of care and the percentage of patients 18-21 years of age initiating the transfer of care to 50% for 12 months. Our goal was also to improve patient satisfaction with the transfer process. Our balancing measure was not to increase the duration of IBD visits.

METHODS: We implemented 3 interventions through iterative plan-do-study-act cycles. To understand the impact of the interventions for 12 months, we used statistical process control charts. The duration of IBD visits was used as a balancing measure. We administered an anonymous satisfaction survey through the electronic health record.

RESULTS: Total transition discussions increased to a mean of 38% (n = 68). Transition discussions with patients 14-17 years of age increased from baseline, though not consistently. Patients 18-21 years of age initiating transfer of care increased to a mean of 5% (n = 1) following the first intervention and to a mean of 30% (n = 13) following our second and third interventions with special cause variation. There was no significant difference in the duration of IBD visits before and after the intervention period (P = 0.54). No patients were dissatisfied following our interventions.

CONCLUSIONS: We saw improved transition discussions and transfer initiation rates by implementing the first steps of a new process to transition young adults with IBD.

PMID:39776952 | PMC:PMC11703434 | DOI:10.1097/pq9.0000000000000786

Pediatr Qual Saf. 2025 Jan 7;10(1):e784. doi: 10.1097/pq9.0000000000000784. eCollection 2025 Jan-Feb.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: First-case on-time starts (FCOTS) is an established metric of perioperative efficiency, impacting global perioperative throughput. Late-arriving surgeons are a common cause of late operating room (OR) starts. This project reflects a quality improvement effort to reduce late surgeon arrivals by 30% for 24 months and improve FCOTS.

METHODS: A multidisciplinary perioperative leadership team developed clear expectations, including tracking, roles, review processes, and consequences. These were broadly communicated among stakeholders, and feedback was incorporated. A new same-day surgeon-to-surgeon feedback mechanism was instituted for late surgeon arrivals, allowing for surgeon feedback and reiteration of expectations. Results were prospectively tracked for 24 months before and following implementation.

RESULTS: Late surgeon arrivals decreased by 45%, from 23.6 to 13 per month for 24 months before and following implementation, respectively (P < 0.001). Balancing measures did not see increases for the same periods. FCOTS increased from 66% to 72% postimplementation (P < 0.001). Statistical process control P-charts demonstrated centerline shifts for both metrics.

CONCLUSIONS: Development and communication of a clear framework of expectations, review, and consequences, with ongoing monitoring, clear performance expectations, and timely feedback, can reduce late surgeon arrival and improve FCOTS. Direct and timely communication provided immediate feedback to late surgeons and indicated reporting errors, providing more accurate data on late starts. Consistent policy enforcement is critical for credibility.

PMID:39776946 | PMC:PMC11703430 | DOI:10.1097/pq9.0000000000000784

PEC Innov. 2024 Jul 2;5:100316. doi: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2024.100316. eCollection 2024 Dec 15.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether medical student empathy changes throughout the five years of a UK medical school.

METHODS: Students completed an online version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE-S) during the 2022-2023 academic year. Comparisons of empathy scores were made using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and independent t-tests.

RESULTS: Empathy scores varied across different years of medical school (P ≤ 0.001), with a small drop in empathy between the pre-clinical and clinical phases of medical school (Mean difference = 1.82, P = 0.025). Male students scored lower than female students and there was no statistically significant difference between the mean empathy score and speciality interest.

CONCLUSIONS: Students’ empathy appeared declined slightly as they progressed through medical school. As a crucial component of good clinical care, interventions in medical education to enhance empathy should be prioritised.

INNOVATION: This is the first time following the COVID-19 pandemic that medical student empathy was measured across all five years of a medical school. Unlike many previous related studies, we identified the point at which empathy appears to decline, providing guidance for educators who can target empathy enhancing interventions where they are most needed.

PMID:39776945 | PMC:PMC11705371 | DOI:10.1016/j.pecinn.2024.100316

Mol Clin Oncol. 2024 Dec 12;22(2):17. doi: 10.3892/mco.2024.2812. eCollection 2025 Feb.

ABSTRACT

The present study aimed to determine the potential of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carbohydrate antigen (CA)19-9 and CA242 in predicting recurrence/metastasis of gastric cancer in patients following radical gastrectomy. The clinical data of 368 patients with stage I-III gastric cancer who underwent radical gastrectomy were analyzed, and CEA, AFP, CA19-9 and CA242 levels were detected prior to surgery and 6-12 months following surgery. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the potential risk factors for post-operative recurrence/metastasis of gastric cancer, and the predictive value of CEA, AFP, CA19-9 and CA242 levels was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC). Cumulative survival rates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis, and statistical significance was evaluated using a log-rank test. Results of the univariate analysis demonstrated that open surgery, age ≥70, total gastrectomy, disease stage III, and pre-operative CA19-9 and CA242 positivity were risk factors for recurrence/metastasis. ROC curve analysis revealed that the AUC values of postoperative CA19-9 were higher than other values. According to the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, patients with negative CEA, AFP, CA19-9 and CA242 levels prior to surgery exhibited a higher five-year survival rate than those who exhibited positive levels of these tumor markers. In addition, patients with positive CEA, AFP, CA19-9 and CA242 levels prior to surgery exhibited a significantly worse prognosis. Collectively, the results of the present study indicated that CEA, AFP, CA19-9 and CA242 exhibited potential as predictive biomarkers for recurrence/metastasis following radical gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer. Notably, CA19-9 and CA242 may exhibit the highest potential in predicting recurrence/metastasis.

PMID:39776940 | PMC:PMC11704986 | DOI:10.3892/mco.2024.2812

Acta Cardiol Sin. 2025 Jan;41(1):121-129. doi: 10.6515/ACS.202501_41(1).20241021A.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Prompt primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) is crucial for the prognosis and reduction of myocardial damage in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had multifaceted impacts on healthcare. This study assessed the effects of the pandemic on pPCI procedures and clinical outcomes in emergency STEMI patients.

METHODS: This retrospective, single-center study analyzed STEMI patients who underwent pPCI from February 2019 to January 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic was categorized into three periods: pre-COVID-19 (Period-I), early-pandemic (Period-II), and epidemic (Period-III). The impacts on Door-to-Device time, its segments, and clinical outcomes were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.

RESULTS: A total of 404 STEMI patients were included, with a reduced number in Period-III. Compared to Period-I, the time intervals of Door-to-electrocardiogram (ECG), ECG-to-Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Activation (CCLA), and CCLA-to-Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Door in Period III were extended by 0.62 minutes (p = 0.006), 3.30 minutes (p = 0.009), and 9.65 minutes (p < 0.001), respectively. In contrast, the Angio-to-Device time was shorter in Period- II and III by 2.60 and 4.08 minutes (p < 0.001), respectively. Overall Door-to-Device time increased by 10.06 minutes (p < 0.001) in Period-III but decreased by 3.67 minutes in Period-II (p = 0.017). The odds of achieving a Door-to-Device time ≤ 90 minutes decreased by 70% in Period-III (p = 0.002). Clinical outcomes, including intensive care unit stay, hospital stay, in-hospital mortality, and 30-day readmission rate, remained stable across periods.

CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic had various effects on different segments of the Door-to-Device procedure, and they were influenced by the complex interplay between infection control measures and clinical workflow. The stability of clinical outcomes reflects the resilience and effective adaptations of the healthcare system during the pandemic.

PMID:39776930 | PMC:PMC11701492 | DOI:10.6515/ACS.202501_41(1).20241021A

Bioinform Adv. 2024 Dec 24;5(1):vbae207. doi: 10.1093/bioadv/vbae207. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

MOTIVATION: The expansion of genetic association data from genome-wide association studies has increased the importance of methodologies like Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS) and Mendelian Randomization (MR) in genetic epidemiology. However, their application is often impeded by complex, multi-step workflows requiring specialized expertise and the use of disparate tools with varying data formatting requirements. Existing solutions are frequently standalone packages or command-line based-largely due to dependencies on tools like PLINK-limiting accessibility for researchers without computational experience. Given Python’s popularity and ease of use, there is a need for an integrated, user-friendly Python toolkit to streamline PRS and MR analyses.

RESULTS: We introduce Genal, a Python package that consolidates SNP-level data handling, cleaning, clumping, PRS computation, and MR analyses into a single, cohesive toolkit. By eliminating the need for multiple R packages and for command-line interaction by wrapping around PLINK, Genal lowers the barrier for medical scientists to perform complex genetic epidemiology studies. Genal draws on concepts from several well-established tools, ensuring that users have access to rigorous statistical techniques in the intuitive Python environment. Additionally, Genal leverages parallel processing for MR methods, including MR-PRESSO, significantly reducing the computational time required for these analyses.

AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: The package is available on Pypi (https://pypi.org/project/genal-python/), the code is openly available on Github with a tutorial: https://github.com/CypRiv/genal, and the documentation can be found on readthedocs: https://genal.rtfd.io.

PMID:39776894 | PMC:PMC11706532 | DOI:10.1093/bioadv/vbae207

Exp Ther Med. 2024 Dec 18;29(2):34. doi: 10.3892/etm.2024.12784. eCollection 2025 Feb.

ABSTRACT

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors with an annual incidence of ~2 cases per million worldwide. The hereditary form is more likely to present in younger patients. To date, PPGL is considered a complex pathology that is difficult to diagnose. The present study aimed to improve the molecular diagnosis and other driver mutations related to PPGLs using TruSight One clinical exome panel (Illumina, Inc.). The clinical protocol used involved examining 28 patients with suspicion of genetic alterations as the cause of PPGLs. The variants of genes commonly associated with PPGLs (RET, FH, VHL, SDHA, SDHB, SDHC, SDHD, NF1, MAX, HIF2A, TMEM127 and TP53) were filtered across the panel. The libraries were sequenced on a MiSeq instrument (Illumina, Inc.) and the result was ≥20X coverage on 95% of the target regions in the panel, calculated by averaging the mean coverage for each exon. The results of sequencing detected 7% of pathogenic variants in the 18-40 years age subgroup and 11% in the 41-59 years age subgroup, whereas no pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants were identified in patients ≥60 years old. The identification of a germline mutation in patients with apparently sporadic PPGLs could lead to an early diagnosis of multiple or more aggressive tumors, or other neoplastic syndromes, in patients. Furthermore, this information may improve the development of targeted primary and secondary prevention programs tailored to these high-risk groups.

PMID:39776888 | PMC:PMC11705218 | DOI:10.3892/etm.2024.12784