Tag: nevin manimala

Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Aug 4;102(31):e34621. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034621.

ABSTRACT

Research is a systematic process to achieve new knowledge, science, or invention. Training in health research is an important part of medical education. This study aimed to evaluate the attitudes, knowledge, experiences, and barriers related to research among the health science students at King Khalid University, Abha. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 632 health science students of different colleges of King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia. From each study level, approximately 25% of the total number of students was selected using a systematic random sampling method. Tests for associations between different scale items and the type of college were used. The majority of students were mainly aged between 20 to 25 years and were males. Statistically significant differences in age distribution among the colleges (P < .05) were found. Regarding students attitudes towards research, 80.5% of the students agreed that research gives them a better understanding of the world. About 79.6% of the total students agreed that every physician, dentist, and pharmacist should be familiar with the scientific methods of research. Statistical significant differences were found in attitudes toward research among different colleges (P < .05). Overall 56.3% of the students recorded a positive attitude regarding research. Only 2.8% of the students had a good knowledge level regarding research and 66.5% had a poor knowledge level. Considering research experience, 50.9% of the overall students self-reported that they did research during their undergraduate phase. About 22% of the students recorded a high experience level regarding research, 41.9% had a moderate level and 36.9% had a low level of experience. Lack of research experience was the most commonly recorded barrier (80.5%) followed by lack of training on how to do research (72.7%). Training on research and adequate support in student research activities at the undergraduate level may help to reduce the identified barriers to research.

PMID:37543788 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000034621

Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Aug 4;102(31):e34625. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034625.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In sensory-motor rehabilitation, sitting-balance training using a wedge may enable optimal postural control. The efficacy and mechanism of achieving lateral adaptation to the sitting pressure and postural vertical are unclear.

METHODS: We included 20 healthy participants in a single-blind, randomized crossover trial conducted over 1 day. Sitting pressure was measured while the postural vertical was assessed. The initial training required maximally and laterally inclining the trunk to the left or right, with or without a wedge, 60 times in 2 minutes (0.25 Hz). A repeated-measures 2-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc analysis was used, and a P value < .05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: After wedge-adaptation training, the pressure on the weight-bearing surface in the postural vertical position increased only on the left side (P < .05). The directional and variability errors of the subjective postural vertical with eyes open and subjective postural vertical were within the range of normative values on verticality.

CONCLUSION: Wedge-adaptation during sitting training affected sitting pressure and verticality. Therefore, there is potential for future rehabilitation interventions using sitting training with a wedge in individuals with balance disorders.

PMID:37543783 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000034625

Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Aug 4;102(31):e34602. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034602.

ABSTRACT

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a common and lethal malignant tumor originating from bile duct epithelial cells. Various tumor biomarkers have been used for its clinical screening, such as carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen. This study aimed to demonstrate the value of associated genes-CMT1A duplicated region transcript 15 (CDRT15) for prognosis of CCA by integrated bioinformatics analysis. We obtained CDRT15 expression data and clinical information on patients with CCA from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Then, we processed the data by differentially expressed gene analysis, gene set enrichment analysis, statistical analysis, etc. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis was aimed to explore the function of gene-related proteins. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis was used to analyze the correlation between CDRT15 and immune cells. Finally, we constructed the nomogram to predict the prognosis of patients with CCA. The analysis of data in The Cancer Genome Atlas database revealed that CDRT15 was overexpressed in CCA tissues. We performed the interrelation analysis of immune infiltration, showing that CDRT15 are mainly associated with the immune/inflammatory response. ROC curve showed that CDRT15 can be a diagnostic marker of CCA. Subsequently, the prognostic analysis showed that the high expression of CDRT15 was correlated with the poor OS, and patients with high CDRT15 expression may have a poor prognosis. CDRT15 is more highly expressed in CCA, thus we identified that CDRT15 could be an efficient biomarker for patients. CDRT15 expression was negatively correlated with prognosis of CCA. CDRT15 may be involved in the immune infiltration process of CCA.

PMID:37543771 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000034602

Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Aug 4;102(31):e34594. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034594.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between fatalistic beliefs, self-care, and glycemic control among Mexican men with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This is a cross-sectional study in men diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus from 18 to 59 years of age from the Northeast of Mexico. Fatalistic beliefs, self-care, medication adherence, and HbA1C were evaluated. Patients were divided into glycemic control (<7% HbA1c) and without glycemic control (>7% HbA1c). Tests were performed to compare 2 independent groups, Student’s t and U Mann Whitney. Correlation tests and multiple linear regression models were also performed. For statistical analysis, the SPSS v27 program was used. Forty-nine percent of the men had glycemic control (<7% HbA1c). Fatalistic beliefs were negatively correlated with self-care and medication adherence, but not with HbA1c. In multiple linear regression models, fatalistic beliefs were a negative predictor of self-care and medication adherence. In the model for HbA1c, the pessimism subdimension and self-care were the predictors. Fatalistic beliefs negatively affect self-care compliance and medication adherence, while the pessimism subdimension was related to the increase in HbA1c.

PMID:37543768 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000034594

Optom Vis Sci. 2023 Aug 7. doi: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000002047. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

SIGNIFICANCE: Myopia is a highly prevalent condition in the pediatric population that is commonly comorbid with intermittent exotropia. Our study found a trend towards significance in the reduction of myopia progression with strabismus correction surgery. Further investigations characterizing the interaction between myopia and strabismus may help inform future management guidelines.

PURPOSE: This study describes and compares myopic progression in the pediatric population with and without intermittent exotropia and its interaction with corrective strabismus surgery.

METHODS: This study analyzes a retrospective cohort of 1,239 pediatric myopic patients who were evaluated by pediatric ophthalmologists and optometrists at a tertiary care center from 2012 to 2020. The main outcome measures were the trends in refractive error over time in those with and without intermittent exotropia as well as trends in those who did and did not undergo strabismus surgery.

RESULTS: 275 (22%) patients were identified to have intermittent exotropia and 12 (4.4%) of this group underwent surgical correction in the study period. No statistically significant difference was identified in myopic progression between those with intermittent exotropia and those without strabismus and no difference was found in mean annual spherical equivalent change between intermittent exotropia patients who did not undergo surgery compared to those who did.

CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric myopic patients generally experience progression in the condition for several years independent of concurrent intermittent exotropia. Corrective strabismus surgery was not found to alter the natural history of myopia in children, though a reduction in myopic progression in surgically treated patients trended towards significance. Increases in the prevalence of different treatment strategies will necessitate further studies to determine best practices for this population.

PMID:37543745 | DOI:10.1097/OPX.0000000000002047

Cornea. 2023 Aug 4. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000003354. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Keraring implantation followed by simultaneous topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy (TGPRK) and corneal cross-linking (CXL) in the management of keratoconus.

METHODS: This is a single-center, private practice, retrospective review. Patients with keratoconus who were intolerant to contact lens wear underwent implantation of the Keraring, followed by TGPRK with CXL from 2 to 36 months after implantation. Main outcome measures were uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), refraction (cylinder and spherical equivalent), keratometry (steep, maximum, and central), and central corneal thickness (CCT). Patients were followed up for 3 to 60 months postoperatively.

RESULTS: Fifty-seven eyes from 45 patients were included. The mean time between Keraring and TGPRK/CXL was 6.0 ± 6.0 months. Patients were followed up for a mean of 28.6 ± 20.1 months after Keraring insertion. At 12-month follow-up, there was a statistically significant improvement in mean UDVA (0.94 ± 0.49-0.35 ± 0.23, P < 0.01), CDVA (0.39 ± 0.26-0.17 ± 0.15, P < 0.01), cylinder (-4.97 ± 2.68 to -1.74 ± 1.25, P < 0.01), steep keratometry (51.25 ± 3.37-45.03 ± 2.27, P < 0.01), central keratometry (52.59 ± 4.98-46.99 ± 3.53, P < 0.01), and maximum keratometry (58.78 ± 4.22-50.76 ± 3.42, P < 0.01). These results were sustained at 48-month follow-up. CCT decreased at 12 months after TGPRK (461.84 ± 27.46-418.94 ± 45.62, P < 0.01) and remained stable at 60 months. Postoperatively, 2 eyes (3.51%) had corneal haze, resulting in decrease in CDVA; 1 was treated successfully with repeat PRK; and 1 patient (1.75%) had wound melt due to partial Keraring extrusion, which settled with repositioning.

CONCLUSIONS: Keraring implantation followed by simultaneous TGPRK and CXL appears to be effective in the long term in improving UDVA, CDVA, cylinder, CCT, and keratometry in patients with keratoconus who are intolerant to contact lenses.

PMID:37543736 | DOI:10.1097/ICO.0000000000003354

Ultrasound Q. 2023 Aug 3. doi: 10.1097/RUQ.0000000000000647. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This prospective study aimed to investigate the combination of shear wave elastography (SWE) and BRAFV600E mutation testing for the diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). One hundred thyroid nodules with an American College of Radiology thyroid imaging reporting and data system classification of 4 or 5 were subjected to SWE measurement, BRAFV600E genotyping, fine-needle aspiration, and surgery. Nonparametric statistical tests were used to compare the differences in the elastic parameters and BRAF genotypes between benign and malignant thyroid nodules of PTC, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted to compare the diagnostic efficacy. In addition, the correlations between elastic parameters and BRAFV600E mutation in PTC were analyzed using binary logistic regression. The SWE, BRAFV600E, and their combination exhibited sensitivities of 72.9%, 81.3%, and 85.4%, respectively, and specificities of 66.7%, 90.3%, and 86.5%, respectively, in the diagnosis of PTC (P < 0.05). The SWE, BRAFV600E, and their combination exhibited sensitivities of 50.0%, 24.1% and 56.3%, respectively, and specificities of 89.7%, 87.5% and 82.8%, respectively, in the diagnosis of central cervical lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). The combined use of SWE and BRAFV600E detection had the largest area under the curve, indicating that this combination is more effective in diagnosing PTC and lymph node metastasis in the central region than either method alone. Furthermore, Emax was positively associated with the BRAFV600E genotype. In conclusion, the combination of SWE and BRAFV600E genotype detection can improve the diagnostic efficacy for PTC. Emax can predict the BRAFV600E mutation status.

PMID:37543733 | DOI:10.1097/RUQ.0000000000000647

Dev Neurorehabil. 2023 Aug 5:1-5. doi: 10.1080/17518423.2023.2242965. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs support adults with intellectual disabilities’ participation in higher education. Students in IPSE programs may have limited knowledge of sexuality, relationships, and social skills, which can be addressed through sexuality and relationship education (SRE). This project evaluated the effect of the Positive Choices© curriculum on the SRE knowledge of 7 students attending an IPSE program in the southeastern United States. Students attended 15 weekly classes taught by two graduate assistants and faculty supervisor during spring 2020; half of course meetings occurred in person and half via Zoom due to COVID-19 restrictions. The authors analyzed results of pre-post one sample t-test of student scores on five instructor-created assessments. All students showed statistically significant increases in knowledge for each assessment and overall. Future research should assess the effect of other curricula in use in IPSE programs and evaluate the need for and use of supplemental materials for instruction.

PMID:37543727 | DOI:10.1080/17518423.2023.2242965

Bone Marrow Transplant. 2023 Aug 5. doi: 10.1038/s41409-023-02048-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In the setting of a first relapse of multiple myeloma (MM), a second autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) following carfilzomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone (KRd) is an option, although there is scarce data concerning this approach. We performed a retrospective study involving 22 EBMT-affiliated centers. Eligible MM patients had received a second-line treatment with KRd induction followed by a second ASCT between 2016 and 2018. Primary objective was to estimate progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Secondary objectives were to assess the response rate and identify significant variables affecting PFS and OS. Fifty-one patients were identified, with a median age of 62 years. Median PFS after ASCT was 29.5 months while 24- and 36-months OS rates were 92.1% and 84.5%, respectively. Variables affecting PFS were an interval over four years between transplants and the achievement of a very good partial response (VGPR) or better before the relapse ASCT. Our study suggests that a relapse treatment with ASCT after KRd induction is an effective strategy for patients with a lenalidomide-sensitive first relapse. Patients with at least four years of remission after a frontline ASCT and who achieved at least a VGPR after KRd induction appear to benefit the most from this approach.

PMID:37543712 | DOI:10.1038/s41409-023-02048-7

Sci Rep. 2023 Aug 5;13(1):12704. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-38935-8.

ABSTRACT

Countries have pledged to different national and international environmental agreements, most prominently the climate change mitigation targets of the Paris Agreement. Accounting for carbon stocks and flows (fluxes) is essential for countries that have recently adopted the United Nations System of Environmental-Economic Accounting – ecosystem accounting framework (UNSEEA) as a global statistical standard. In this paper, we analyze how spatial carbon fluxes can be used in support of the UNSEEA carbon accounts in five case countries with available in-situ data. Using global multi-date biomass map products and other remotely sensed data, we mapped the 2010-2018 carbon fluxes in Brazil, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Sweden and the USA using National Forest Inventory (NFI) and local biomass maps from airborne LiDAR as reference data. We identified areas that are unsupported by the reference data within environmental feature space (6-47% of vegetated country area); cross-validated an ensemble machine learning (RMSE=9-39 Mg C [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]=0.16-0.71) used to map carbon fluxes with prediction intervals; and assessed spatially correlated residuals (<5 km) before aggregating carbon fluxes from 1-ha pixels to UNSEEA forest classes. The resulting carbon accounting tables revealed the net carbon sequestration in natural broadleaved forests. Both in plantations and in other woody vegetation ecosystems, emissions exceeded sequestration. Overall, our estimates align with FAO-Forest Resource Assessment and national studies with the largest deviations in Brazil and USA. These two countries used highly clustered reference data, where clustering caused uncertainty given the need to extrapolate to under-sampled areas. We finally provide recommendations to mitigate the effect of under-sampling and to better account for the uncertainties once carbon stocks and flows need to be aggregated in relatively smaller countries. These actions are timely given the global initiatives that aim to upscale UNSEEA carbon accounting.

PMID:37543683 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-023-38935-8