Tag: nevin manimala

Ann Appl Stat. 2019 Mar;13(1):85-112. doi: 10.1214/18-AOAS1193. Epub 2019 Apr 10.

ABSTRACT

This article focuses on the problem of studying shared- and individual-specific structure in replicated networks or graph-valued data. In particular, the observed data consist of $n$ graphs, $G_i$ , $i=1,\dots ,n$ , with each graph consisting of a collection of edges between $V$ nodes. In brain connectomics, the graph for an individual corresponds to a set of interconnections among brain regions. Such data can be organized as a $V\times V$ binary adjacency matrix $A_i$ for each $i$ , with ones indicating an edge between a pair of nodes and zeros indicating no edge. When nodes have a shared meaning across replicates $i=1,\dots ,n$ , it becomes of substantial interest to study similarities and differences in the adjacency matrices. To address this problem, we propose a method to estimate a common structure and low-dimensional individual-specific deviations from replicated networks. The proposed Multiple GRAph Factorization (M-GRAF) model relies on a logistic regression mapping combined with a hierarchical eigenvalue decomposition. We develop an efficient algorithm for estimation and study basic properties of our approach. Simulation studies show excellent operating characteristics and we apply the method to human brain connectomics data.

PMID:40236978 | PMC:PMC11999652 | DOI:10.1214/18-AOAS1193

ARYA Atheroscler. 2022 Jun;18(6):2405. doi: 10.48305/arya.2022.11771.2405. Epub 2022 Dec 1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Various mechanisms suggest that periodontal pathogens and inflammatory processes contribute to systemic pathogenic processes such as atherosclerosis. This study investigated the possibility of a correlation between the presence of incidentally found calcifications along the course of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and tooth loss and periodontal status.

METHOD: A retrospective CBCT analysis was performed on 110 patients. CBCT scans obtained as a part of the dental examinations were analyzed for missing teeth and evidence of any calcification along the ICA course. The mean age, gender, and the total number of missing teeth for all scans revealing calcifications were evaluated.

RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 110 scans, with the cohort’s mean age (SD) of 50.01 (±11.6) and gender distribution of 53.4% females and 43.6% males. A total of 17% of the scans exhibited the presence of calcification. A comparison of missing teeth between the two groups revealed that the group with calcification exhibited more missing teeth, which was statistically significant with a P-value of 0.01. Comparison of the apical lesions between the two groups revealed that apical lesion was higher in the group with calcification and was statistically significant with a P-value of 0.011.

CONCLUSIONS: The greater the number of missing teeth, the higher the chances of calcifications being detected along the course of the ICA.

PMID:40236976 | PMC:PMC11994866 | DOI:10.48305/arya.2022.11771.2405

Front Psychol. 2025 Apr 1;16:1515054. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1515054. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The concept of sense of work gain encapsulates the profound psychological gratification and forward-looking aspirations that arise when an individual’s dedicated efforts at work are met with equitable material and spiritual compensation. Despite a wealth of research on its correlation with job satisfaction and innovative behaviors among educators, the underlying mechanisms linking sense of work gain to job performance remain understudied. This study introduces a nuanced moderated mediation framework to elucidate the pathways through which sense of work gain influences the job performance of teachers, spotlighting the pivotal role of organizational commitment and the nuanced impact of supportive leadership.

METHODS: With a focus on the kindergarten teaching workforce, an extensive survey was administered to 1,081 educators across Shaanxi and Gansu provinces in China. Subsequent hypothesis testing was performed using statistical tools SPSS 27.0 and AMOS 24.0.

RESULTS: The research results indicated that sense of work gain had a significant positive predictive effect on the job performance of kindergarten teachers. Organizational commitment played a mediating role between sense of work gain and the job performance of kindergarten teachers. Supportive leadership not only positively moderated the relationship between sense of work gain and the job performance of kindergarten teachers but also positively moderated the relationships between sense of work gain and organizational commitment, as well as between organizational commitment and job performance.

DISCUSSION: These findings revealed a significant positive effect of job fulfillment on the work performance of kindergarten teachers and elucidated the mediating effect of organizational commitment as well as the positive moderating role of supportive leadership in this process. These discoveries emphasized the importance of enhancing teachers’ job fulfillment, strengthening organizational commitment, and cultivating a supportive leadership style for optimizing the work performance of kindergarten teachers, providing education administrators with effective strategies for improving teachers’ working environment and enhancing teaching quality.

PMID:40236963 | PMC:PMC11996770 | DOI:10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1515054

J Vasc Surg Cases Innov Tech. 2025 Mar 4;11(3):101770. doi: 10.1016/j.jvscit.2025.101770. eCollection 2025 Jun.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of quantitative fluorescence angiography with intra-arterial dye injection (Q-iaFA) for intraoperative guidance during revascularization procedures in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI).

METHODS: In this observational cohort study, 14 patients with CLTI undergoing endovascular intervention were included. Q-iaFA was performed directly before and after revascularization. The parameters time to peak (TTP) and normalized peak slope (PS_norm) were derived from intensity-time curves that were measured on the plantar side of the foot in five regions of interest. The main outcome was defined as the change in these Q-iaFA parameters between pre- and postoperative measurements in the region of interest with the most inferior preoperative value. Expected impact of revascularization was classified into strong, moderate or absent, based on intraoperative radiographic imaging and the Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society II standards.

RESULTS: Q-iaFA was successful without complications in all patients. Revascularization impact was classified as strong in 8 (57%), moderate in 5 (36%), and as absent in 1 (7%) patients. In the strong impact group, a significant decrease in TTP and increase in PS_norm was observed (P = .004). The same trend was less pronounced in the moderate impact group, without statistical significance (P = .104 and P = .094). Conversely, in the patient with no expected revascularization impact, TTP increased and PS_norm decreased.

CONCLUSIONS: Q-iaFA is a feasible technique to evaluate peripheral tissue perfusion during vascular interventions. The extracted perfusion parameters are directly affected by revascularization of arterial lesions in patients with CLTI. This finding suggests that Q-iaFA may be useful to guide intraoperative decision making. Work is required to refine quantification strategies and relate Q-iaFA parameters to clinical outcomes.

PMID:40236913 | PMC:PMC11999592 | DOI:10.1016/j.jvscit.2025.101770

Front Neurol. 2025 Apr 1;16:1566819. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2025.1566819. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Many NHL teams roster players whose primary responsibility is fighting with opposing players. Over time, these “enforcers” may experience repetitive head impacts (RHI), a risk factor for serious long-term health consequences including neurodegenerative disease. This study examined whether retired NHL enforcers and non-enforcers differ on two long-term health outcomes.

METHODS: In this matched cohort study conducted with retrospective, publicly available data, cohorts of former NHL enforcers and non-enforcers were compared on mortality, and CTE diagnosis. NHL players were deemed enforcers (ENFs, n = 239) if listed in a Wikipedia piece entitled “List of NHL enforcers.” A randomly selected sample of non-enforcers (non-ENFs, n = 239) were matched to ENFs on year of birth and the first NHL season played. Goalies and players with less than 30 games of NHL experience were excluded.

RESULTS: The matching procedure resulted in equivalent cohorts with respect to birth year (1969.9) and first NHL season played (1991.3). Significantly more ENFs had died (n = 23, 9.6% vs. n = 9, 3.8%; p = 0.01) and significantly more ENFs had been given a diagnosis of CTE (n = 7, 2.9% vs. n = 1, 0.4%; p < 0.05). While not statistically significant, age at death averaged 9+ years younger among ENFs (mean = 53.6) compared to non-ENFs (mean = 63). Players born in Canada were over-represented in the ENF cohort.

CONCLUSION: This study found higher mortality and more diagnoses of CTE in a cohort of enforcers relative to matched non-enforcers. Given expanding evidence linking RHI to life-threatening long-term health impacts, the NHL must protect players and mandate rule changes that minimize or eliminate fighting.

PMID:40236900 | PMC:PMC11996648 | DOI:10.3389/fneur.2025.1566819

Front Neurol. 2025 Apr 1;16:1544135. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2025.1544135. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: As a major cause of disability worldwide, stroke affects about 80% of survivors with upper limb (UL) motor dysfunction, significantly impairing their quality of life. Virtual reality (VR) has been recognized as an innovative rehabilitation tool; however, the effectiveness of VR systems with different immersion modalities is still uncertain. This systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) aims to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of intervention measures, including non-immersive gaming consoles, immersive VR (IVR), non-immersive VR (NIVR), and conventional therapy (CT) on upper limb motor function in stroke rehabilitation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to 12 June 2024. UL motor recovery was assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity (FMUE) scale. The NMA was performed using the Bayesian approach with the BUGSnet package in R software to calculate the relative effectiveness of each intervention.

RESULTS: 34 RCTs involving 1,704 participants were included. Among non-immersive gaming systems, Microsoft Kinect demonstrated the greatest effective in enhancing UL motor function, followed by Nintendo Wii, then NIVR and IVR head-mounted devices. CT showed the least effective. Specifically, Microsoft Kinect significantly improved FMUE scores (mean difference [MD] = 7.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59 to 13.77, p < 0.05), followed by Nintendo Wii (MD = 4.53, 95% CI: 0.87 to 8.14, p < 0.05), and NIVR (MD = 3.57, 95% CI: 1.18 to 6.01, p < 0.05). In contrast, IVR head-mounted devices showed no statistically significant differences in outcomes, with MD of 4.16 (95% CI: -0.02 to 8.38).

CONCLUSION: Non-immersive gaming console of Microsoft Kinect is the most effective intervention for improving UL motor function in stroke survivors. In contrast, IVR head-mounted devices did not offer significant advantages over CT. These findings suggest that non-immersive gaming consoles of Microsoft Kinect could be a more cost-effective and accessible alternative for stroke rehabilitation.

PMID:40236896 | PMC:PMC11996652 | DOI:10.3389/fneur.2025.1544135

Front Neurol. 2025 Mar 31;16:1551164. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2025.1551164. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Zoster-associated pain (ZAP) is a common complication after herpes zoster infection. In recent years, conventional temporary dorsal column stimulation (tDCS) has been widely used nationally and internationally as a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for ZAP. It has also been shown that temporary dorsal nerve root stimulation (tDNRS) may also be an effective treatment for ZAP. However, there is no direct clinical comparison between the newer tDNRS and the conventional tDCS.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the procedure time, radiation dose, efficacy and cost of the tDNRS and tDCS for the treatment of ZAP. And the complications of the two surgical modalities were recorded.

METHODS: Eighty patients with ZAP who attended the pain department of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from January 2022 to July 2023 were selected. They were divided into tDNRS group (n = 40) and tDCS group (n = 40) by using random number table method. The operation time, radiation dose, number of electrodes used, cost of medical consumables, and number of postoperative electrical stimulation adjustments were recorded for each case, and the patients’ pain level, sleep quality, quality of life, and overall efficacy were analysed and compared at preoperative (T0), 1 week (T1), 1 month (T2), 2 months (T3) and 3 months (T4) after the operation.

RESULTS: A total of 76 patients were finally enrolled, 38 in the tDNRS group and 38 in the tDCS group. During the 3-month follow-up period, all patients showed a significant decrease in Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PQSI) scores and a significant increase in quality of life (QL-Index scale) scores after treatment with both methods. And there was no statistically significant difference between the two methods. However, patients who received tDNRS had a significantly shorter operative time and less intraoperative radiation exposure than those who received tDCS (p < 0.0001), and the mean number of postoperative stimulation parameter adjustments and the cost of medical consumables were significantly lower than those in the tDCS group (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION: Both tDNRS and tDCS were effective in the treatment of ZAP, but tDNRS had the advantages of more precise coverage, shorter procedure time, less radiation exposure, fewer electrical stimulation adjustments, and lower cost.

PMID:40236892 | PMC:PMC11997352 | DOI:10.3389/fneur.2025.1551164

Aesthet Surg J Open Forum. 2025 Feb 11;7:ojaf011. doi: 10.1093/asjof/ojaf011. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The superficial aspect of the submandibular gland can be removed to improve the aesthetic appearance of the face and neck. This study describes a novel surgical technique to resect part of the submandibular gland during a deep neck or facelift.

OBJECTIVES: Describe the technique to remove the superficial lobe of the submandibular gland using an ultrasonic dissector. Analyze the association between the uses of ultrasonic technology and reduced postoperative complications. Compare rates of postoperative complications between standard electrocautery and ultrasonic dissection.

METHODS: Experimental and control groups were established. A Sonicision ultrasonic dissector (Covidien, Dublin, Ireland) was used for resection in the experimental group, whereas electrocautery was used for resection in the control group. Postoperative outcomes of neuropraxia, hematoma, seroma, and sialocele formation were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using a Fisher’s exact test in RStudio.

RESULTS: Control patients (n = 32) experienced 1 hematoma, 3 seromas, 3 sialoceles, and 3 neuropraxias. Experimental patients (n = 48) experienced 2 seromas with no hematomas, sialoceles, or neuropraxia. No association of statistical significance between reduced risk of complications and use of ultrasonic dissection was found.

CONCLUSIONS: This novel technique has the potential to improve the safety and efficacy of partial submandibular gland resection. However, a follow-up study with a greater sample size and without confounding variables, such as intraoperative injection of Botulinum toxin, is necessary.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3: (Therapeutic).

PMID:40236889 | PMC:PMC11997774 | DOI:10.1093/asjof/ojaf011

Arch Public Health. 2025 Apr 15;83(1):105. doi: 10.1186/s13690-025-01593-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Smokeless tobacco (SLT) use is a global burden, and its long-term use can result in health issues like oral cancers, oral potentially malignant disorders, etc. This review assessed the effectiveness of behavioural and pharmacological interventions for SLT cessation, adding new dimensions to the evidence found earlier in the literature, including recent trials.

SEARCH METHODS: Four electronic databases were used in the search: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web-of-Science. Study Selection included randomized control trials (RCTs) comparing pharmacological and behavioural interventions with or without placebo to help users quit SLT with 3 & 6 months follow-up. Two review writers who separately evaluated abstracts for possible inclusion extracted data from included trials. Mantel-Haenszel’s random-effect method was used to assess pooled effects for trial subgroups. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated from the reported odds ratios, confidence intervals and quit rates.

RESULTS: Nineteen, consisting of 4575 participants, fulfilled the requirements to be listed in the review. A significant difference was observed at 6 months for pharmacological versus behavioural intervention with a low heterogeneity at a 95% confidence interval. Pooling the fifteen pharmacotherapy-versus-behavioural modification studies in adults, we discovered that pharmacotherapy had a statistically significant impact on raising quit rates by the conclusion of the follow-up period (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.43; 3271 participants) with low heterogeneity (I² = 19%).

CONCLUSION: Worldwide, there has been minimal data on interventions for SLT cessation, yet the pharmacological interventional methods have been found to be comparatively effective than behavioural intervention. Adequate awareness, health care professionals training, and law implementation are necessary to achieve habit cessation.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not Applicable. The present systematic review is registered in PROSPERO’s International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration number CRD42023399178 dated 13th Feb 2023).

PMID:40235012 | DOI:10.1186/s13690-025-01593-5

Arch Public Health. 2025 Apr 15;83(1):107. doi: 10.1186/s13690-025-01579-3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) is increasingly occurring worldwide, yet it is a process that can lead to inappropriate use of antibiotics, with potentially multiple adverse consequences such as an increased risk of antibiotic resistance.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics among the Chinese population and investigate the factors associated with this behavior.

METHODS: A multi-stage sampling method was employed to carry out a national cross-sectional questionnaire survey among Chinese individuals aged 18 years and above from July 10, 2021, to September 15, 2021. Following the statistical analysis of the collected data, binary logistic regression was applied to identify the factors associated with respondents’ self-medication with antibiotics. Model robustness testing was also performed using best subset regression.

RESULTS: From a total of 11,031 questionnaires, 9,344 qualified samples were selected. The prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics among Chinese residents was found to be 34.63% (3,237/9,344). The most important factor considered in SMA was the advice of medical professionals, accounting for 89.00%, including recommendations from doctors (2,524/3,237, 77.97%) and pharmacists (1,905/3,237, 58.85%). The results of the binary stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that female, people older than 36 years, with higher education, had consumed alcohol in the past month, with mild depression, having residential or employee health insurance as the primary form of health coverage, having commercial insurance, having better family health status, and perceiving higher levels of social support were more likely to practice SMA (P < 0.05). Conversely, individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder were found to be less likely to engage in self-medication with antibiotics (P < 0.05). The best subset regression method and stepwise regression method gave the same results.

CONCLUSION: The SMA issue of Chinese residents is still relatively serious. Residents’ SMA was associated with their demographic and sociological characteristics, depression, family health, and perceived level of social support. The primary consideration for resident SMA is the advice of medical staff. The problem of SMA in China should be improved through antibiotic management, education on antibiotic knowledge, and medical staff’s correct guidance.

PMID:40234996 | DOI:10.1186/s13690-025-01579-3