Tag: nevin manimala

J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2025 Sep 22. doi: 10.1177/15409996251379401. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Understanding the public health impact of women’s health research is crucial for improving health outcomes and guiding future research priorities. Bibliometric analysis offers a unique suite of tools to identify opportunities to increase impact and measure the dissemination of women’s health research. Using 2018-2021 mortality data from the National Vital Statistics System, we utilized age-adjusted death rates to identify conditions with the highest relative mortality risk for females versus males. Our analysis showed that breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, infections of the kidney, and acute rheumatic fever and chronic rheumatic heart diseases were associated with the highest relative mortality risk for females. Using a systematic keyword search strategy, we identified 219 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-authored publications published between 2018 and 2023 featuring these conditions in a database of CDC-authored publications. For relevant publications on each condition, we evaluated five bibliometric indicators measuring media attention, academic citations, and policy citations. Overall, CDC’s publications on these conditions did not demonstrate a gap in media attention, academic citations, and policy citations compared with other agency publications, underscoring the agency’s effectiveness in disseminating its research on these topics. Assessing bibliometric indicators for published research on conditions with disproportionate relative mortality risk for females can reveal potential gaps in research coverage, highlight research successes, and inform strategic decisions for disseminating women’s health research.

PMID:40977404 | DOI:10.1177/15409996251379401

BJPsych Open. 2025 Sep 22;11(5):e218. doi: 10.1192/bjo.2025.10803.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To date, little is known about the evidence of a potential risk of psychiatric adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination in large populations with adequate study design.

AIMS: To investigate whether COVID-19 vaccination is associated with increased risk of psychiatric adverse events.

METHOD: We used South Korea’s linkage database to obtain registry data and claims data from 2019 to 2021, and conducted a population-based self-controlled case series study including 11 751 806 individuals. Primary outcomes included anxiety/nervousness, mood disorders, perceptual disturbances/psychoses, aggression/behavioural disturbances, cognitive impairments and sleep disorders within 21 days of COVID-19 vaccination. Secondary outcomes were the stratified primary outcomes according to each individual’s psychiatric history. Conditional Poisson regression was used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRR) and 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS: COVID-19 vaccination did not increase the rate of anxiety and nervousness (adjusted IRR 0.95, 95% CI 0.95-0.96), mood disorders (adjusted IRR 0.75, 95% CI 0.75-0.76), perceptual disturbances and psychoses (adjusted IRR 0.72, 95% CI 0.70-0.74), aggression and behavioural disturbances (adjusted IRR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89-0.97), cognitive impairment (adjusted IRR 0.68, 95% CI 0.67-0.69) or sleep disorders (adjusted IRR 0.90, 95% CI 0.89-0.91). Secondary outcomes were consistent with the primary outcome, although the adjusted IRRs for anxiety and nervousness (adjusted IRR 1.17, 95% CI 1.15-1.18) and sleep disorders (adjusted IRR 1.07, 95% CI 1.06-1.09) were statistically significant in individuals with no history of psychiatric disorders. Sensitivity analyses showed consistent results with our main findings.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide short-term safety profiles for COVID-19 vaccines regarding psychiatric adverse events. Continuous monitoring of anxiety/nervousness or sleep disorders after COVID-19 vaccination is required regardless of history of psychiatric comorbidities.

PMID:40977400 | DOI:10.1192/bjo.2025.10803

Sports Health. 2025 Sep 22:19417381251372975. doi: 10.1177/19417381251372975. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Studies of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes have been concerning for rates of athletes reporting playing while symptomatic with a concussion and of athlete nondisclosure of concussion symptoms.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: This study’s primary aim was to determine whether application of a brief and validated scale for concussion reporting expectation (CR-E) is an effective screening tool for collegiate athletes. It was hypothesized that 20% of athletes would be considered high risk for nondisclosure of concussion symptoms using this screening tool.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2B.

METHODS: NCAA Division I athletes (n = 358) from 18 teams who presented for preparticipation physical examinations (PPEs) in the 2023 fall season were queried with the CR-E and concussion history questions. The time to complete the CR-E was recorded, and providers recorded whether the screening results warranted additional concussion counseling or education. We report survey responses for all athletes stratified by sex and sport. Power analysis study population was based on NCAA collegiate athletes.

RESULTS: The CR-E required an average of 2 minutes for athletes to complete during their PPE. Of 238 of 358 athletes who completed the CR-E questionnaire, 2 in 3 were determined to benefit from concussion education. Overall, athletes felt “neutral” about their agreement on a Likert scale to report concussion symptoms in 4 scenarios described on the CR-E. Water polo, volleyball, women’s soccer, gymnastics, and football represented sports with higher rates of counseling, below average agreement to report concussion symptoms for 4 scenarios queried, and most frequent nonreporting histories.

CONCLUSION: The CR-E questionnaire represents an impactful screening tool with high utility and feasibility for collegiate athletes.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our study supports a brief screening tool to guide concussion counseling for athletes. Based on our data, there appears to be room for improvement in athlete concussion education overall.

PMID:40977386 | DOI:10.1177/19417381251372975

Cancer Sci. 2025 Sep 22. doi: 10.1111/cas.70192. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

T-cell receptor (TCR) bispecific proteins represent a pioneering therapeutic modality that harnesses the diverse target recognition capabilities inherent to TCRs while preserving the beneficial characteristics associated with protein therapeutics. However, investigations into TCR bispecific proteins, particularly within the context of lung diseases, remain limited. This study aims to elucidate their potential for the treatment of lung cancer. We employed a humanized murine model to evaluate the efficacy of TCR bispecific proteins in eradicating lung tumors in vivo. Cytotoxic activity was assessed against various lung cancer cell lines, and statistical tests were used to analyze the data. To address concerns regarding toxic side effects from systemic administration, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were explored as vehicles for the targeted delivery of TCR bispecific proteins. Our findings demonstrate that TCR bispecific proteins exhibit substantial cytotoxic activity against a variety of lung cancer cell lines. MSCs, with optimal pulmonary targeting properties, were shown to persist within the lungs for over 7 days. By employing MSCs to locally secrete TCR bispecific proteins, we achieved therapeutic effects comparable to systemic administration without manifestations of immune overactivation in murine subjects. Additionally, we evaluated various cytokine combinations and discovered that the combination of IL-7, IL-21, and TCR bispecific proteins significantly augmented their capacity to eliminate antigen-negative cells in a heterogeneous tumor model. Collectively, our findings suggest that the combinatorial therapy of TCR bispecific proteins and MSCs holds considerable promise for clinical application in the treatment of lung cancer, potentially enhancing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects.

PMID:40977380 | DOI:10.1111/cas.70192

Am J Hum Biol. 2025 Sep;37(9):e70149. doi: 10.1002/ajhb.70149.

ABSTRACT

Human biologists seek to understand how cultural, environmental, and biological forces shape observed patterns of human variation. Yet contemporary insights and approaches to observational causal inference remain underutilized in the field. We outline a structured but flexible roadmap for causal inference in human biology that begins with theory development, defines causal questions and estimands, employs directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) to clarify assumptions, and evaluates key identification criteria prior to statistical analysis. We position this framework within a spectrum of causal inference traditions, spanning from interventionist approaches rooted in well-defined, manipulable exposures to realized approaches that engage historically situated and ecologically embedded phenomena. Rather than offering a prescriptive checklist, we frame this toolkit as an opening: a step toward anthropological causal inference that integrates transparency, theoretical and methodological coherence, and the epistemological commitments of the biocultural synthesis in human biology and anthropology.

PMID:40977372 | DOI:10.1002/ajhb.70149

Aust J Prim Health. 2025 Sep;31:PY24190. doi: 10.1071/PY24190.

ABSTRACT

Research highlights a child’s environment and experiences during the first 2000days has a lasting impact on their health, development and wellbeing. In NSW, it is recommended that all children under 5years of age have free routine health and developmental checks, promoting optimal childhood development and shaping future health outcomes. There appears to be a strong indication that parents do not return for their checks. Between 2019 and 2020, a qualitative study was undertaken aiming to identify and better understand the key factors driving parents’ disengagement from child family health nursing (CFHN) services after contact in their baby’s first year. Moreover, having a greater understanding of key factors driving parents’ early service disengagement may help to reshape service delivery. During the study period, parents of infants who had received the 1-4-week health check with CFHN services were informed about the study and invited to participate. A total of 104 families gave consent to take part in phone interviews. These interviews were transcribed and analysed using straightforward thematic analysis. Qualitative data were gathered to explore families’ experiences with the CFHN services. Less than 35% of families utilised CFHN services, whereas >62% visited their general practitioners. Barriers identified included the presence of multiple services, established relationships with current health professionals, limited accessibility, convenience factors and parents’ lack of knowledge regarding CFHN services. On a positive note, half of the participants reported experiencing no barriers. This study emphasises the need for better awareness and accessibility to CFHN services. The findings are concerning, because children missing health screenings may experience delays in early identification and intervention before starting school.

PMID:40977348 | DOI:10.1071/PY24190

Brain Impair. 2025 Sep;26:IB24118. doi: 10.1071/IB24118.

ABSTRACT

Background International guidelines recommend a specialised, multidisciplinary approach to optimise outcomes post disorders of consciousness (DoC), with family education the cornerstone of management. Despite this, multidisciplinary staff report reduced confidence and skill in the management of patients with DoC, and education provision to families is inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of DoC education packages in enhancing self-perceived knowledge, confidence and skill of staff and families surrounding acute DoC management. Methods Standardised education packages were developed and delivered to: (1) neurosciences staff, and (2) families of patients with DoC. Pre and post education surveys were used to measure family and staff self-perceived knowledge, confidence and skill in management of patients with DoC. Non-parametric statistics were utilised to analyse the quantitative data, whereas thematic analysis was used to analyse open-ended responses. Results Twenty-six family members and 86 health professionals were recruited. There was a statistically significant improvement across all areas of self-perceived knowledge, confidence and skill post introduction of the education packages (all P Conclusions DoC family and staff education packages can enhance family and staff self-perceived knowledge, confidence, and skill surrounding management of patients with DoC.

PMID:40977340 | DOI:10.1071/IB24118

Lab Chip. 2025 Sep 22. doi: 10.1039/d5lc00414d. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Cumulus removal (CR), the removal of the small protective granulosa cells that surround an oocyte, is a crucial step in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Traditional CR methods rely on vortexing or manual pipetting, which can result in inconsistencies and variability. Here, we present an open-surface platform featuring pillars that actively separates differently sized particles and removes cumulus cells from oocytes through vibration-induced flow (VIF). The platform removed 99% of small particles from the loading chamber by generating a local flow through the pillar array and separating smaller particles from larger particles. The platform was then used to remove cumulus cells from oocytes. CR under different actuation powers, time exposures, and hyaluronidase (HA) concentrations was optimized. The CR of up to 23 oocytes was accomplished simultaneously without any oocyte loss. Finally, mouse cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were inseminated and CR was performed using both manual pipetting (control) and VIF. No statistical difference was observed in the fertilization and blastocyst rates, which were 90.7%, and 50.0% using manual pipetting, respectively, and 93.1% and 43.1% using VIF respectively. This platform automates CR process and reduces the technical manual labor involved in ART, paving the way for standardization and consistency within ART protocols.

PMID:40977337 | DOI:10.1039/d5lc00414d

Brain Impair. 2025 Sep;26:IB25005. doi: 10.1071/IB25005.

ABSTRACT

Background Computer-mediated communication (CMC) – using technology to engage with others via digital platforms (e.g. social media) – is an integral mode of social interaction for adolescents. Integrating CMC into rehabilitation could benefit adolescents with acquired brain injury (ABI), yet its use is under-studied. This study aimed to address this gap by co-designing a survey on CMC use among adolescents with ABI and evaluating the project team’s perceptions of engagement in the co-design process post-study. Methods The project team comprised 10 interest-holders: youth with ABI (n =2), rehabilitation professionals (n =2), researchers (n =5), and a family member (n =1). Survey co-design sessions conducted via videoconferencing were guided by the Double Diamond (DD) Framework. Mixed-methods analysis included descriptive statistics from the Patient and Public Engagement Evaluation Tool (PPEET), qualitative insights on team engagement and reflexive thematic analysis of memos, and overview of survey categories and questions. Results Five co-design sessions resulted in the Social Media Building Blocks (SMBB) survey, refined through piloting with two youth with ABI and a health literacy review. PPEET data showed strong team engagement, with 5/6 ‘strongly agreeing’ their views were heard and valued. Thematic analysis of team memos identified three themes: valuing diverse perspectives, enthusiastic engagement in co-design, and the importance of reflexivity. The final SMBB survey included four question categories: participation in online communication, accessibility, post-ABI communication experiences, and desired supports. Conclusions Project team members valued the collaborative survey design phases and engaging youth with ABI. Findings highlight co-design frameworks’ potential to enhance engagement in rehabilitation research.

PMID:40977334 | DOI:10.1071/IB25005

Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub. 2025 Sep 19. doi: 10.5507/bp.2025.025. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS) is a condition that can lead to a number of complications during cataract surgery that threaten final vision of patients using alpha1-adrenergic receptor antagonists (α1-ARAs). There are two recommended pharmacological approaches to preventing IFIS development: intraoperative intracameral epinephrine and application of atropine drops twice a day for one week before surgery. The primary aim of this study was to identify the incidence and grade of IFIS using these two prophylactic approaches in patients at risk of IFIS development and to determine which approach is more effective for mild and severe IFIS. The second aim was to evaluate complication rates between the two.

METHODS: The study consisted of 164 eyes of 164 men using α1-ARAs. 83 eyes were treated with atropine sulphate 1% drops (Group 1) while 81 eyes received an injection of epinephrine to the anterior chamber during cataract surgery (Group 2).

RESULTS: Even though the incidence of IFIS was lower in the epinephrine group this was not statistically significant at the 5% level (P=0.269). Apropos severity, there was a statistically significantly higher incidence of moderate and severe forms of IFIS in Group 2 (P<0.0001). There was no significant difference between groups in the development of surgical complications (P=0.165).

CONCLUSIONS: The instillation of epinephrine was more effective in preventing the overall incidence of IFIS. Nevertheless, the occurrence of IFIS in its moderate and severe forms was statistically significantly higher in this group.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study protocol was retrospectively registered in the Clinical Trial registry clinicaltrials.gov under ID number NCT06266962.

PMID:40977319 | DOI:10.5507/bp.2025.025