Tag: nevin manimala

Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2026 Dec;17(1):2660607. doi: 10.1080/20008066.2026.2660607. Epub 2026 May 19.

ABSTRACT

Background: Despite the increased attention paid to the separate effects of cumulative adversities and protection on mental health, the extent to which distinct clusters of risk and protective factors exist and have special effects on depression and anxiety symptom trajectories remains under-explored.Objective: To explore the effects of clusters of childhood adverse experiences and positive experiences on depression and anxiety symptom trajectories.Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted at two colleges in Anhui province, China, between October 2022 and November 2023. Questionnaires were administered to 4,764 first-year students anonymously, requesting information regarding their adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), positive childhood experiences (PCEs), depression and anxiety symptoms. Latent class analysis was utilized to identify classes based on ACEs and PCEs. Latent class growth analysis was used to recognize trajectories of depression and anxiety symptoms. Two models were conducted using regression analysis. The correlation between a single type of ACEs and PCEs and clusters and depression and anxiety symptom trajectories was explored.Results: Three classes of ACEs and PCEs clusters were identified, comprising between 17.8% and 61.% of the sample each. Three distinct classes were identified for trajectories of depression and anxiety symptoms. Those who were referred to trajectory 1 (‘low depression symptoms reducing’) were found to be at an increased risk of developing ‘high depression symptoms increasing’ and ‘moderate depression symptoms stabilized’, when compared with those in class 3 (‘low risk and high protection’). This was also the case for anxiety symptom trajectories.Conclusion: It is not only the case that distinct categories of ACEs and PCEs exist; furthermore, these groups exhibit varying probabilities of future depression and anxiety symptom trajectories. It is evident that a child’s preventative measures of ACEs are likely to be of greater consequence than positive protection.

PMID:42153254 | DOI:10.1080/20008066.2026.2660607

J Korean Med Sci. 2026 May 18;41(19):e139. doi: 10.3346/jkms.2026.41.e139.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the symptom structures of hikikomori in Korea and Japan through a network analysis approach, addressing the scarcity of comparative research and elucidating potential cross-cultural differences in its manifestation.

METHODS: Data were derived from the Research on Asian Psychotropic Prescription Patterns, Phase 3 (REAP-AD3) study, involving psychiatric patients in Korea and Japan. Social withdrawal symptoms were assessed using the one-month version of the 25-item Hikikomori Questionnaire (HQ-25M). Network analyses were performed to characterize symptom interconnections and centrality in both cohorts. Differences in network structure, edge strength, and global strength were evaluated using the network comparison test (NCT).

RESULTS: The NCT indicated no statistically significant differences in network structure invariance between Korean and Japanese patients. Notably, the most frequently endorsed symptom among Korean psychiatric patients was “no one to discuss important matters with,” whereas for Japanese psychiatric patients it was “difficulty enjoying social situations.”

CONCLUSION: Although overall network structures were largely comparable, the findings suggest subtle distinctions in the organization of social withdrawal symptoms between Korean and Japanese psychiatric patients. These differences underscore the importance of developing culturally tailored preventive and therapeutic strategies for hikikomori in these populations.

PMID:42153230 | DOI:10.3346/jkms.2026.41.e139

J Korean Med Sci. 2026 May 18;41(19):e138. doi: 10.3346/jkms.2026.41.e138.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A recently developed claims-based algorithm, originally designed using data from pregnancies with systemic lupus erythematosus, may enhance the identification of pregnancy episodes in Korean observational research. However, its applicability for estimating gestational age (GA) has not yet been validated in the general pregnant population. This study aimed to evaluate and refine the algorithm’s performance.

METHODS: We utilized nationwide claims data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service between February 27, 2021, and December 31, 2022, to identify pregnancy episodes, including deliveries, stillbirths (SBs), and abortive outcomes (ABs). GA for each episode was estimated using both the original and modified algorithms, which prioritized second-to-third trimester target scan (TS) codes and first-trimester TS codes, respectively. Identified episodes with GA outside clinically plausible ranges for each pregnancy outcome were either reclassified into different outcomes or excluded. Algorithm performance was evaluated based on the following three criteria: first, the agreement between the estimated GA and the specified GA range in delivery episodes with a preterm birth (PB) code; second, comparison of estimated preterm birth (ePB) rates with national statistics reported by the Korean Statistical Information Service (KOSIS); third, sensitivity analysis of ultrasound code prioritization on the ePB rate.

RESULTS: Among 581,740 pregnancy episodes, 456,157 were deliveries, 3,050 were SB, and 122,533 were AB. Deliveries with a GA of less than 37 weeks were classified as ePB, with rates of 39.7% in the original algorithm and 11.9% in the modified algorithm. In delivery episodes with PB codes that included specified GA ranges, the modified algorithm demonstrated higher agreement with the specified GA compared to the original algorithm (96.4% vs. 75.2%). The ePB rate estimated by the modified algorithm was also more consistent with the 9.4% reported by KOSIS, compared to the original algorithm (12.0% vs. 39.8%).

CONCLUSION: The modified algorithm, which prioritized first-trimester TS codes, improved the accuracy of GA estimation and reduced the underestimation observed in the original algorithm.

PMID:42153229 | DOI:10.3346/jkms.2026.41.e138

Cancer Med. 2026 May;15(5):e71956. doi: 10.1002/cam4.71956.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Tobacco smoking adversely affects cancer outcomes; yet tobacco treatment for patients with non-tobacco-related cancers (non-TRCs) remains understudied. This study evaluated smoking behaviors, harm perceptions, and cessation support in this population.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 124 adults who reported smoking within the past 30 days and were diagnosed with non-TRCs at two medical centers between 2018 and 2022. Data collected included demographics, smoking behaviors, harm perceptions, quit attempts, and receipt of cessation support from oncology providers.

RESULTS: Most participants (88%) recognized that continued smoking may shorten life expectancy; however, fewer recognized its impact on cancer recurrence (44%), treatment efficacy (46%), and treatment-related side effects (46%). Although 81% reported prior quit attempts, only 33% received prescription medication and 22% received counseling. Follow-up support from oncology teams was reported by 42% of participants.

CONCLUSION: Patients with non-TRCs demonstrate substantial gaps in awareness of the cancer-specific harms of continued smoking and report inconsistent receipt of evidence-based cessation support. Targeted education and systematic integration of tobacco treatment into oncology care are needed to improve outcomes in this population.

PMID:42153226 | DOI:10.1002/cam4.71956

Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2026 May 12;22:581371. doi: 10.2147/TCRM.S581371. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Caudal block in clinical practice relies on empirical drug administration without reliable prediction of anesthetic level, thereby limiting its application. This study aimed to develop a predictive model for sensory block level based on sacral canal anatomical factors and patient characteristics.

METHODS: A total of 132 patients undergoing elective anal surgery with caudal block were included. Ultrasound measured anatomical parameters (the width of the base of the sacrum (BSW), the anterior-posterior diameter of the sacral hiatus at its apex (SHAP), the anterior-posterior diameter of the sacral hiatus at the first segment inferior to the apex (SHFSIA-AP), the length of the sacral hiatus in the sagittal plane (SHLS) and demographic data (age, gender, height, weight) were collected. Sensory block level was categorized into five ordinal grades. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression identified independent predictors, with variance inflation factor (VIF) assessing multicollinearity and Brant test verifying proportional odds assumption. Model performance was evaluated via concordance index (C-index) and Lipsitz test, with internal validation performed using bootstrapping with 1000 resamples, and a nomogram was constructed.

RESULTS: Univariable analysis showed SHAP, SHLS, SHFSIA-AP, height, age, gender, and weight correlated with sensory block level (P<0.05). Final independent predictors were SHAP, SHLS, and height. No multicollinearity (VIF<5) and valid proportional odds assumption (Brant test P=0.36) were confirmed. The model had good predictive performance (C-index=0.881, 95% CI [0.809-0.953]) and fit (Lipsitz test P=0.49), with the nomogram visualizing probabilities of each block level category.

CONCLUSION: This study identified SHAP, SHLS, and height as predictors for caudal block sensory level. The nomogram enables individualized, precise drug administration, shifting the technique from experience-based to precision prediction.

PMID:42153217 | PMC:PMC13180391 | DOI:10.2147/TCRM.S581371

Ther Adv Gastroenterol. 2026 May 15;19:17562848261446862. doi: 10.1177/17562848261446862. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: ARID1A mutations are frequent in gastric cancer (GC) and may indicate an immune-active tumor microenvironment.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of the immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) plus chemotherapy as first-line therapy in advanced GC and explore its association with key molecular features according to the status of ARID1A-mutation.

DESIGN: This was a retrospective, single-center cohort study.

METHODS: We analyzed 258 patients with advanced HER2-negative GC who received ICI plus chemotherapy between 2022 and 2024. ARID1A mutation status and other molecular features were assessed using next-generation sequencing. Also, the status for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), and claudin 18.2 was done. Treatment outcomes were evaluated between ARID1A-mutant and wild-type groups.

RESULTS: Among 258 patients, 67 (26.0%) harbored at least one ARID1A mutation. ARID1A mutant tumors (MT) showed significantly higher tumor mutational burden (median 18.0 vs 6.7 mut/Mb), EBV positivity (11.8% vs 0.6%), MSI-H status (10.6% vs 6.3%), and PD-L1 CPS ⩾50 (14.9% vs 1.0%) compared to wild-type (WT). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was numerically longer in the ARID1A MT group (9.7 vs 8.5 months; HR 0.75; 95% CI, 0.53-1.10), though not statistically significant. There was no significant difference for the ORR (55.2% vs 64.4%, p = 0.19), and the overall survival (27.4 vs 31.1 months; HR 0.83; 95% CI, 0.58-1.20) between the two groups.

CONCLUSION: ARID1A mutations were associated with immune-active molecular features and a trend toward improved PFS to ICI plus chemotherapy. Further research for ARID1A as a potential biomarker for ICI is warranted in advanced GC.

PMID:42153215 | PMC:PMC13180195 | DOI:10.1177/17562848261446862

J Public Health Res. 2026 May 16;15(2):22799036261452463. doi: 10.1177/22799036261452463. eCollection 2026 Apr.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Air pollution is a leading global public health challenge, with PM2.5 exposure strongly associated with respiratory and cardiovascular morbidity. In developing countries like Pakistan, urban air pollution levels are particularly severe. In 2021, Peshawar was ranked 9th globally for pollution, with PM2.5 levels 12 to 16 times higher than WHO limits. This study investigates chronic exposure to heavy traffic emissions and its long-term effects on lung function in Peshawar’s roadside vendors, a highly exposed occupational group from an under-reported location.

DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 218 non-smoker male roadside vendors in Peshawar. Spirometry assessed FEV1, FVC, PEF, and FEV1/FVC ratio against GLI-predicted values adjusted for age and BMI. Duration of work and daily exposure hours were documented. Ground-based PM2.5 data (2019-March 2025) were recorded separately. Analysis was performed in SPSS using multivariate linear regression models.

RESULTS: PM2.5 remained consistently high (mean range: 139-166 μg/m³) from 2019-2025, with notable occasional spikes observed. All spirometric indices declined with increasing exposure duration. Regression showed each additional year reduced GLI-predicted %FEV1 by 0.3 % (p=0.042) and %PEF by % 0.47 (p=0.018). Descriptive statistics showed the >20-year exposure group had the lowest GLI-predicted % means for FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC and PEF values. Normal spirometry predominated, but restrictive and obstructive patterns were also observed in earlier exposure groups.

CONCLUSION: Prolonged roadside air pollution exposure progressively impairs lung function, underscoring the urgent need for occupational and environmental public health interventions to safeguard high-risk informal workers.

PMID:42153209 | PMC:PMC13180141 | DOI:10.1177/22799036261452463

J Public Health Res. 2026 May 14;15(2):22799036261451538. doi: 10.1177/22799036261451538. eCollection 2026 Apr.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Domestic violence remains a major global health and human rights issue, with pregnant women being among the most affected groups. In Ethiopia, evidence from individual studies on violence during pregnancy has been inconsistent. Therefore, this review aimed to estimate the combined prevalence of domestic violence among pregnant women in Ethiopia and to identify determinants contributing to its occurrence.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed across multiple databases, including PubMed, HINARI, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, Global Health, African Journals Online (AJOL), and Google Scholar. Study quality was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the Cochrane Q and I² statistics, and a random-effects model was applied to compute the pooled prevalence.

RESULTS: The overall pooled prevalence of domestic violence during pregnancy in Ethiopia was found to be 44% (95% CI: 29.86-58.15). The likelihood of experiencing violence was significantly higher among women with partners who consumed alcohol frequently (POR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.43-1.85), those with low educational attainment (AOR = 6.3; 95% CI: 2.78-14.44), and women with unintended pregnancies (POR = 4.99; 95% CI: 2.96-8.43).

CONCLUSION: Nearly half of pregnant women in Ethiopia face domestic violence; influenced primarily by low educational status, partner alcohol use, and unintended pregnancy. Addressing this public health challenge requires integrated interventions focusing on women’s empowerment, male partner behavior, reproductive health services, and routine screening in antenatal care.

PMID:42153207 | PMC:PMC13180146 | DOI:10.1177/22799036261451538

Iran J Pharm Res. 2026 Feb 9;25(1):e162445. doi: 10.5812/ijpr-162445. eCollection 2026 Jan-Dec.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dietary patterns are effective in obesity treatment. This has led to more investigations on its mechanisms in combating obesity.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effects of ginseng and green tea extracts (GTE) on selected markers of lipid metabolism and the expression of some related genes in adipocytes.

METHODS: After a one-month period of consuming a high fatty content diet, a total of 42 male Wistar rats were assigned to seven groups randomly. The rats were then subjected to an eight-week treatment where they were administered different dosages of GTE and ginseng extract (GE) through oral administration. Then, some serologic parameters pertaining to lipid metabolism were analyzed in the treated rats. Furthermore, alterations in the expression levels of select genes, bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7), hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), and leptin, implicated in lipid metabolism, were quantified within the adipose tissue of the rats utilizing the reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) methodology. Ultimately, the chemical composition of the extracts was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

RESULTS: The findings indicated that the utilization of the extracts had a notable impact on the reduction of body weight. There was a noteworthy enhancement of high-density lipoprotein levels across all study groups, as indicated by a statistically significant increase at a confidence level of 95%. The efficacy of the administered extracts was observed in a significant upregulation in BMP7 and HSL gene expression. Conversely, there was a notable reduction in leptin expression, which reached statistical significance at a confidence level of 95%. HPLC results detected 9 ginsenosides in the GE, among which Rb1 (100 mAU) was present in the largest amount, and 9 alkaloids in the GTE, among which epicatechin (EC) (380 mAU) and caffeine (320 mAU) were present in the largest amount.

CONCLUSIONS: The present study holds the potential to offer novel insights regarding the mechanism through which GE and GTE exert their anti-obesity effects.

PMID:42153195 | PMC:PMC13180287 | DOI:10.5812/ijpr-162445

Iran J Pharm Res. 2026 Apr 27;25(1):e166629. doi: 10.5812/ijpr-166629. eCollection 2026 Jan-Dec.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated the effect of folic acid in a rat model of sciatic nerve injury (SNI)-induced cognitive dysfunction.

METHODS: In this study, six groups with six male Wistar rats in each group were used. The simple randomization method was adopted for unbiased assignment of animals based on age, sex, and weight variations. Folic acid (10 and 20 mg/kg) and donepezil (1 mg/kg) were administered by the oral (p.o.) route for 10 days. The rats’ cognition was assessed by the Morris water maze (MWM) test. The assessment of the learning trial (acquisition) was the escape latency time (ELT), while the assessment of memory retention (retrieval) was the time spent in the target quadrant (TSTQ), which was measured in the MWM test. The brain samples of rats were used to assess biomarkers such as total protein, reduced glutathione (GSH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. The behavioral data were statistically analyzed by a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, and biomarkers were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. The 95% confidence level (P < 0.05) was fixed for confirmation of statistical significance.

RESULTS: The administration of folic acid statistically (P < 0.05) reduced the SNI-induced elevated ELT and TSTQ levels compared to the sham control group. However, folic acid also prevented the rise in TBARS and AChE activity and the drop in GSH after SNI. The comparable outcomes were statistically (P < 0.05) similar to those of the donepezil-administered group.

CONCLUSIONS: Folic acid has great potential to be used in treating peripheral nerve injury-associated cognitive dysfunction.

PMID:42153193 | PMC:PMC13180334 | DOI:10.5812/ijpr-166629