Tag: nevin manimala

JMIR Form Res. 2025 Jul 29;9:e71141. doi: 10.2196/71141.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mental health problems are a barrier to the well-being of youth living with HIV. Many youth living with HIV in Nigeria face peculiar biopsychosocial vulnerabilities that predispose them to mental health problems including depression and substance use. In addition to improving treatment outcomes like medication adherence and linkage to care, peer engagement has shown some promise in improving the social and emotional well-being of this population. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions like SMS text messaging medication reminders may also contribute to better outcomes in youth living with HIV. Emerging evidence suggests that combination interventions may be more effective than single interventions in improving key HIV testing and treatment outcomes among youth in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the impact of Intensive Combination Approach to Rollback the Epidemic in Nigerian Adolescents (iCARE Nigeria) study-an mHealth and peer navigation intervention primarily aimed at medication adherence and viral suppression-on depressive symptoms and substance use among youth living with HIV in Nigeria.

METHODS: A single-arm clinical trial was conducted at the Infectious Disease Institute, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria- primarily to improve medication adherence and viral suppression among youth living with HIV attending its HIV clinic. The intervention combined peer navigation and daily, 2-way, text message medication reminders delivered over a period of 48 weeks. Participants were screened at baseline and follow-up visits (24 and 48 weeks) for depression and substance use using standardized measures. Paired t tests and McNemar tests were used to investigate the change in depressive symptoms and the change in the proportion of participants reporting substance use over time, respectively.

RESULTS: All 40 enrolled participants (n=20, 50% male; mean age 19.9 y, SD 2.5 y) completed baseline and follow-up visits at week 24, while 37 (92.5%) participants completed the week 48 visit. Compared with baseline, there were significantly fewer self-reported depressive symptoms observed at 48 weeks (mean 2.89 vs 2.08; t36=2.04, 95% CI 0.006-1.615) but not at 24 weeks (mean 2.89 vs 2.62; t36=0.47, 95% CI -0.74 to 1.44). There were fewer self-reports of substance use at weeks 24 and 48 when compared to baseline, but these were not statistically significant (odds ratio [OR] ∞, 95% CI 0.189-∞ and OR 3.0, 95% CI 0.24-157.49, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest a statistically significant reduction in depressive symptoms among youth living with HIV over the 48-week intervention period that may be due to the iCARE Nigeria intervention. However, given limitations such as low levels of depressive symptoms at baseline, small sample size, and the lack of a control group, future studies such as the randomized stepped wedge evaluation of the iCARE intervention are needed to provide better insights into these exploratory findings.

PMID:40729632 | DOI:10.2196/71141

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2025 Jul 29. doi: 10.1021/acsami.5c08450. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Pathogenic microbial infections pose a serious threat to human health and safety. Therefore, rapid detection and accurate identification of pathogenic microorganisms are critical for effective diagnosis and prevention. However, clinical testing often faces challenges such as processing large sample volumes and achieving a high detection efficiency. Here, we developed a series of sensing arrays based on cationic conjugated polymer/silver nanoparticle (CCP/Ag) composites, enabling fluorescence and colorimetric dual-signal readouts for microbial detection and identification. Five conjugated polymers with distinct optical and electronic properties were selected to construct a diverse sensor array: fluorenephenylene-based PFP, phenylenevinylene-based PPV, BODIPY-based PBF, thiophene-based PMNT, and phenylenevinylene-based oligomer OPV. These polymers bind to microbial surfaces through hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions, producing polymer-specific signal changes upon target recognition. The incorporation of silver nanoparticles regulates the interaction-induced responses by modulating local plasmonic effects, leading to changes in both the fluorescence and colorimetric signals. The resulting complex signals were then analyzed by using elastic net regression to distinguish different microbial samples and classify unknown ones. This dual-signal system supports rapid and high-throughput analysis, providing a reliable and straightforward strategy for microbial identification and improving the diagnostic efficiency.

PMID:40729613 | DOI:10.1021/acsami.5c08450

Otol Neurotol. 2025 Jul 25. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000004611. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of modifiable surgical factors on ossiculoplasty outcomes after controlling for ear environment risk.

STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institutional retrospective review.

SETTING: Six tertiary care centers from 2011 to 2019.

PATIENTS: Adults and children.

INTERVENTIONS: Ossiculoplasty, including synthetic ossicular replacement prosthesis, autograft interposition, bone cement repair, and mobilization.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Correlation between modifiable surgical factors and pure-tone average air-bone gap (ABG) at most recent audiogram after controlling for preoperative risk using the statistically validated Ear Environment Risk (EER) score.

RESULTS: A total of 1,679 cases were included with a median follow-up time of 20 months (IQR, 5-51). After controlling for EER score, malleus engagement of prosthesis yielded favorable ABG versus direct contact to tympanic membrane without malleus engagement (beta = -2.4 dB [-3.8, -1.1], p < 0.001). For total ossicular replacement prostheses (TORP), use of a footplate prosthesis yielded favorable ABG as compared with no footplate prosthesis (-3.6 dB [-6.1, -1.1], p = 0.005). For synthetic prostheses, polyethylene prostheses had a less favorable ABG compared with full titanium or titanium with hydroxyapatite prostheses (p < 0.05). In cases where the malleus was not engaged in reconstruction, amputation of the malleus head yielded worse ABG (+3.9 dB [1.2, 6.7], p = 0.005). There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in ABG for single-stage versus multistaged approach, use of a cartilage cap over the prosthesis versus no cartilage, use of bone cement to secure a PORP to the stapes versus no cement, mastoid cavity obliteration versus no obliteration, and incudostapedial joint reconstruction with joint prosthesis/bone cement versus synthetic PORP.

CONCLUSIONS: With statistical correction for ear environment risk, several modifiable surgical factors are noted to impact ossiculoplasty hearing outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID:40729578 | DOI:10.1097/MAO.0000000000004611

Shock. 2025 Jul 25. doi: 10.1097/SHK.0000000000002676. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to systematically evaluate the risk factors associated with the development of postoperative lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (LEDVT) in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI).

METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Comprehensive searches of Chinese and English databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang, were conducted from inception to December 12, 2024. Two researchers independently screened articles and extracted relevant data. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality criteria. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.3, applying a random-effects model to combine effect sizes, with subsequent sensitivity analyses and assessments for publication bias. The review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024629624).

RESULTS: A total of 13 studies (n = 777,327) were included, comprising 8 case-control studies, 2 cohort studies, and 3 cross-sectional studies. Eleven significant risk factors for postoperative LEDVT were identified: advanced age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-1.14), use of dehydrant (OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.38-3.04), mechanical ventilation (OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.01-1.02), elevated D-dimer level (OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.11-1.27), polytrauma (OR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.29-2.03), hypertension (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.07-1.15), surgical duration (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.06-2.42), elevated body mass index (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.16-1.45), deep venous catheterization (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.15-1.60), length of hospital stay (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.18-1.56), and blood transfusion (OR = 3.56, 95% CI: 1.91-6.63), with all p values <0.05. No statistically significant associations were observed for Glasgow Coma Scale score (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.98-1.28) or diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.97-1.07).

CONCLUSIONS: Eleven variables were identified as significant risk factors for postoperative LEDVT among patients with sTBI. These findings underscore the importance of implementing individualized preventive strategies for patients identified as high risk.

PMID:40729566 | DOI:10.1097/SHK.0000000000002676

Aging Cell. 2025 Jul 29:e70168. doi: 10.1111/acel.70168. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Strategies to slow the aging process or mitigate its consequences on health rely on the validation of minimally-invasive biomarkers of aging that can be used to track aging and test the effectiveness of antiaging interventions. Study of aging in a nonhuman primate species offers a robust translational approach to achieving these aims, avoiding wide differences in genetics and environmental exposures that confound human aging studies. As epigenetic age appears to predict biological aging, biomarkers linked to epigenetic aging should be especially valuable in identifying individual differences in aging progression and documenting the impact of antiaging strategies. Proteins are the final effectors in most signaling pathways, indicating that alteration in levels of circulating proteins potentially offers an informative and valuable quantitative index of aging. Accordingly, a proteomic analysis was conducted on matching CSF and plasma samples collected from a large group of African green monkeys, with epigenetic ages ranging from young to old as determined by differential methylation of blood DNA. In addition to analyzing the data with linear statistical models, a gradient boosting machine learning technique was employed to identify not only individual CSF and plasma proteins that correlated with aging progression but also groups of proteins that could be used as predictors of global aging and of specialized aspects of aging such as inflammation. Overall, this study identified new CSF and plasma protein targets for understanding aging biology, together with identifying biomarkers to track changes in the rate of biological aging in a translationally relevant nonhuman primate model.

PMID:40729555 | DOI:10.1111/acel.70168

J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2025 Jul 29. doi: 10.1111/jcpp.14179. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Persistent and/or distressing psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) during adolescence are associated with poorer subsequent psychiatric outcomes. Modifiable lifestyle factors (such as sleep quality or regular exercise) may improve mental health outcomes; however, it is unknown how lifestyle factors are linked to trajectories of PLEs.

METHODS: Using data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (N = 10,075, age 9-10 years at baseline), we characterized trajectories of PLEs using latent growth mixture models assessed using the Prodromal Questionnaire-Brief Child Version. We examined trajectories of Total and Distress scores. We used multinomial logistic regressions to examine associations between baseline lifestyle behaviors (including self-reported screen time, physical activity and caffeine intake, and parent-reported sleep disturbances and recreational activities) and PLE trajectories.

RESULTS: We identified four trajectories of distress-related PLEs: No Distress (27%), Rapid Decreasing (17%), Gradual Decreasing (36%), and Persistent Elevated Distress (21%). Compared with the No Distress trajectory, individuals in the Persistent Elevated Distress trajectory spent more time using screens (adjusted Odds Ratio [OR] 2.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.03-2.53), had higher caffeine intake (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.28-2.04), greater sleep disturbance (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.45-1.73), participated in fewer recreational activities (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.68-0.83) and less frequent physical activity (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.74-0.89). Greater screen time and sleep disturbances further distinguished the most severe group from all other trajectories. Findings were similar when examining total scores. Results remained statistically significant when we included established risk factors of psychosis in each model.

CONCLUSIONS: Lifestyle factors associate with trajectories of PLE-related distress, providing novel tools for intervention and risk prediction.

PMID:40729543 | DOI:10.1111/jcpp.14179

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025 Aug;24(8):e70365. doi: 10.1111/jocd.70365.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ultrapulse CO₂ fractional lasers are increasingly used for scar treatment. However, the optimal timing for the treatment of traumatic facial scars in children is unclear.

AIM: This retrospective study evaluated the clinical efficacy of ultrapulse CO₂ fractional laser treatment for immature facial scars in pediatric patients, with a focus on identifying the optimal timing to achieve the best possible outcomes.

PATIENTS/METHODS: A total of 106 children with traumatic facial scars were divided into three groups according to when laser treatment was started post-procedure: 1 month (Group A), 3 months (Group B), and 6 months (Group C). Three months after two treatments, the therapeutic effects, adverse reactions, and satisfaction of the patients’ families were compared between the three groups.

RESULTS: After two treatments, the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) scores were significantly lower than before treatment in all groups (p < 0.001). Pairwise comparisons demonstrated statistically significant differences between Groups A and B, and between Groups A and C (p < 0.001). Adverse reactions were not significantly different among the three groups (p > 0.05). At the follow-up after two treatments, significantly more patients were very satisfied in Group A than in Groups B and C (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Early intervention with an ultrapulse CO₂ fractional laser can effectively treat traumatic facial scars in children. The clinical effect and patient satisfaction were better with treatment initiated 1 month post procedure than with treatment 3-6 months post procedure. It has few adverse reactions and high safety and is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

PMID:40729539 | DOI:10.1111/jocd.70365

Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2025 Jul 17. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000002818. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to compare shoulder functional ratio and bilateral strength asymmetry between overhead Para athletes and able-bodied peers, and ascertain whether those factors could be associated with shoulder injury history in Para athletes under resting and fatigued conditions.

DESIGN: Sixteen sitting volleyball Para athletes and 12 able-bodied volleyball players were evaluated. The shoulder functional ratio was measured at rest and after a fatiguing shoulder internal-external rotation exercise on dominant and non-dominant shoulders. Imbalanced muscle strength profiles were identified as a functional ratio < 0.7 and bilateral peak torque asymmetry either >10% or > 15%. All injuries incurred over the past 2-months prior testing were reported.

RESULTS: No injury was surveyed in able-bodied athletes while 9 dominant shoulder overuse injuries were reported in 9 Para athletes. Functional ratio and bilateral asymmetry were not significantly different between groups at rest or after exercise in either shoulder(p > 0.05). Functional ratio < 0.7 and bilateral asymmetry of either >10% or > 15% were statistically associated with shoulder overuse injury history in the dominant limb in Para athletes(p < 0.05), but with a higher relative risk under fatiguing-conditions(p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: External rotator muscle conditionning should be implemented in overhead Para athlete regular training to alleviate shoulder imbalance and bilateral asymmetry, especially in fatigued conditions.

PMID:40729531 | DOI:10.1097/PHM.0000000000002818

J Strength Cond Res. 2025 Jul 30. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000005209. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

McGlynn, ML, Rosales, AM, Collins, CW, and Slivka, DR. The influence of local cold application and resistance exercise on the mRNA response of skeletal muscle. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2025-Cold application post exercise is common practice despite empirical evidence suggesting it impairs muscle growth signaling. Our purpose was to determine the effects of local cold application and resistance exercise on muscle growth/breakdown gene expression. Twelve subjects completed a bilateral resistance exercise bout to volitional fatigue (leg press, leg extension) while wearing a thermal wrap on 1 limb (10° C fluid, EX + COLD) and no wrap contralaterally (EX). Bilateral vastus lateralis biopsies, skin temperature, and intramuscular temperature were collected pre intervention, post resistance exercise (temperatures only), and 4 hours post exercise. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. After 4 hours of cooling, skin (p < 0.001) and intramuscular temperatures (p < 0.001) were lower in the EX + COLD (20.4 ± 0.6, 26.1 ± 0.9° C) than in the EX limb (31.7 ± 0.6, 35.1 ± 0.3° C). Despite these temperature decreases, local cooling did not differentially influence myogenic and proteolytic gene expression (p > 0.05). Resistance exercise was the primary influence on gene expression change. Favorable myogenic gene expression changes were exhibited by Myogenin (increase, p = 0.007), Myogenic Factor 6 (increase, p = 0.002), and Myostatin (decrease, p < 0.001). However, myogenic gene Myogenic Factor 5 decreased (p < 0.001). All other myogenic genes went unchanged (Myogenic Differentiation 1, p = 0.665; Myocyte Enhance Factor 2a, p = 0.074; Ribosomal Protein S3, p = 0.773; Ribosomal Protein L3-Like, p = 0.118). Proteolytic gene expression changes were exhibited by Muscle Unique Ring Finger 1 (increase, p = 0.002) and Atrogin-1 (decrease, p = 0.020). However, F-box protein 32 went unchanged (p = 0.980). Local cooling may be paired with a resistance exercise bout because of minimal influence after 4 hours of cooling on skeletal muscle growth/breakdown mRNA signaling.

PMID:40729474 | DOI:10.1519/JSC.0000000000005209

Psychooncology. 2025 Aug;34(8):e70245. doi: 10.1002/pon.70245.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: When a parent is diagnosed with cancer, it often affects both family life and the couple relationship significantly. However, research on factors that influence relationship functioning over time in this population is limited.

AIMS: To investigate the development of relationship functioning and factors associated with relationship functioning over a 1-year period among parents with cancer.

METHODS: In this longitudinal study, 180 parents with cancer, aged 24-60 years, with dependent children completed online surveys at 2 time-points: at inclusion (T1) and 1 year later (T2). Data included self-reported sociodemographic, physical health and psychological factors, and relationship functioning. The outcome was relationship functioning at T2 assessed using 4 subscales (Dyadic cohesion, Dyadic satisfaction, Sensuality, and Sexuality) of the validated self-assessment scale Quality of Dyadic Relationship Scale-36 (QDR). Linear regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with the outcome.

RESULTS: All aspects of relationship functioning statistically declined over time, except sexuality. After adjusting for multiple T1 factors, completion of cancer treatment predicted higher Dyadic cohesion; poor self-rated health predicted lower Dyadic satisfaction; higher age, being a mother and attachment-related anxiety predicted lower Sensuality; and lower age of youngest child, anxiety and attachment-related anxiety predicted lower Sexuality.

CONCLUSIONS: Cancer significantly impacts relationship functioning among parents with cancer who have dependent children, with significant declines in Dyadic cohesion, Dyadic satisfaction, and Sensuality over time. A number of sociodemographic, physical health and psychological factors were shown to predict lower relationship functioning. Addressing these factors may help identify and support parents with cancer who are at risk of, or who perceive, difficulties in their couple relationship.

PMID:40729468 | DOI:10.1002/pon.70245