Tag: nevin manimala

BMC Public Health. 2025 Dec 13. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-25939-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

With extreme weather events growing in severity and frequency, interventions aimed at preventing associated health disorders in coastal communities have become salient. Coastal communities are expected to develop coping mechanisms to climate change related stressors. However, these frontline communities may need special assistance to effectively adapt to unprecedented climatic disasters. Existing infrastructure and policy support systems may be inadequate, resulting in residual vulnerabilities that require attention. We examine whether tropical cyclones inflict adverse mental health impacts on coastal communities, and if the negative effect is disproportionately greater in coastal areas relative to non-coastal and coast-adjacent areas. We leverage the landfall and inland penetration of cyclones in India between April 2018-March 2023, and a novel dataset of select mental disorder treatment medicine sales across districts over the five-year period to analyze the cyclone-effect using district-year panel data. We use autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) models with fixed effects to control for unobserved location-specific and time-specific factors affecting aggregate mental health status at the district level. Our findings suggest that cyclone occurrence negatively affects the mental health of communities in coastal districts, with 144% higher sales in that year; the one-year lagged effect is stronger at 173% higher sales than the contemporaneous effect, and the effect weakens over time. We do not find any statistically significant cyclone-effect in non-coastal districts. The cyclone-effect on coast-adjacent districts appears after a longer lag. Coastal communities already face relatively greater climate risks; our study highlights the additional burden of mental health challenges and calls for greater planning and policy attention to mental health to build resilient communities.

PMID:41390629 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-25939-4

Malar J. 2025 Dec 13. doi: 10.1186/s12936-025-05695-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Asymptomatic Plasmodium infection is a protozoan disease transmitted by vectors, in which the parasite remains inside the host without causing signs and/or symptoms. It poses a significant challenge to malaria control and elimination efforts due to its role in sustaining silent transmission within communities. Despite ongoing progress toward the 2030 malaria elimination targets, the disease remains a significant public health issue in Ethiopia. Schoolchildren in endemic areas are common carriers of the parasite and deserve special attention, as they represent a highly vulnerable population. As a result, this study determined the prevalence and identified predictors of asymptomatic Plasmodium infection among schoolchildren in the Bahir Dar Zuria District, Northwest Ethiopia.

METHODS: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2024. It involved 416 schoolchildren selected through systematic random sampling. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and potential predictors were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews. To detect Plasmodium parasites, blood samples were analysed using Rapid Diagnostic Tests, capillary Buffy Coat, and blood film. Multilevel, mixed-effect logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors associated with the asymptomatic Plasmodium infection. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: The composite prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium infection in this study was 3.4% (95% CI: 1.7-6.3). Plasmodium falciparum accounted for 64.3% of cases. Age (Adjusted Odd Ratio, AOR = 3.53; 95% CI: 1.65-6.20; p = 0.001), gender (AOR = 2.87; 95% CI: 1.93-4.28; p = 0.021), presence of stagnant water near the household (AOR = 3.76; 95% CI: 1.48-6.82; p = 0.031), never used long-lasting insecticidal nets (AOR = 2.90, 95% CI: 1.72-3.48; p = 0.007), and a history of malaria infection in the last year (AOR = 2.23 95% CI: 1.420-5.22; p = 0.047) were statistically significantly predictors of asymptomatic Plasmodium infection.

CONCLUSION: This study revealed that asymptomatic schoolchildren serve as significant reservoirs for malaria, challenging elimination efforts. The findings emphasize the need for integrated interventions such as active case detection and treatment, improved long-lasting insecticidal net coverage, and environmental management. Importantly, comprehensive surveillance and seasonal malaria chemoprevention are also recommended to reduce silent transmission and support targeted control strategies.

PMID:41390626 | DOI:10.1186/s12936-025-05695-x

BMC Med Imaging. 2025 Dec 13. doi: 10.1186/s12880-025-02099-w. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41390620 | DOI:10.1186/s12880-025-02099-w

BMC Genomics. 2025 Dec 13. doi: 10.1186/s12864-025-12313-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Crossover interference (COI) is a widespread feature of homologous meiotic recombination. It can be quantified by the classical coefficient of coincidence (CoC), but this characteristic is highly variable and specific to the pair of chromosomal intervals considered. Several models have been proposed to characterize COI at the chromosomal level. In the gamma model, the strength of interference is characterized by a shape parameter ν. In contrast, the gamma-sprinkled two-pathway model (GS) accounts for both interference-dependent and independent crossover (CO) events by fitting a mixture of gamma distributions with v > 1 and v = 1 with proportions 1-p and p. In reality, COI may vary along the chromosome, resulting in а poor fit of the employed model to the analyzed data. Additional inconsistency can be caused by the common neglect of possible negative crossover interference (NCOI) in the model, although the phenomenon was previously reported for several organisms. We present an extension of the GS model to account for possible NCOI and provide suitable software for estimating the parameters of the extended GS model. On real chromosome data from a conifer (larch, Larix principis-rupprechtii), sugar beet (Beta vulgaris), and wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium), we demonstrate a potential efficient separation of three crossover (CO) processes on chromosomes: CO repulsion (positive COI), CO clustering (negative COI), and independent CO events (no COI).

PMID:41390604 | DOI:10.1186/s12864-025-12313-2

Eur Geriatr Med. 2025 Dec 13. doi: 10.1007/s41999-025-01375-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To explore the prevalence, overall and in different clinical settings, and interconnectedness, of delirium, dementia, and frailty clinical pathways across Europe.

METHODS: An online anonymous survey was distributed via the mailing list of the European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS), national member groups and the authors’ professional networks, targeting geriatricians, or trainees in their final 2 years of specialist geriatric training, working in a hospital, rehabilitation, post-acute care or residential setting in a European country. Quantitative data were summarized using descriptive statistics and frequency distributions. Inductive content analysis was used to interpret open-text questions.

RESULTS: The 240 respondents were predominantly female (63%), with a 6:1 consultant to trainee ratio and marked underrepresentation of Eastern Europe. Integrated care pathways (current or in-development) for delirium, dementia, or frailty are reported in 48-78% of settings. Dementia and delirium pathways are common except in radiology, neurosurgery, and operating/recovery settings. Frailty pathways are less common overall, and specific frailty staff are less common than dementia or delirium staff. Dementia pathways commonly incorporate delirium screening (76%) and prevention (73%), but less commonly frailty screening (61%). Similarly, delirium pathways often provide guidance on formal dementia diagnosis (62%) but less than half incorporate frailty screening/assessment (46%). Notably, only 19% of delirium pathways differentiate between managing delirium and delirium-superimposed-on-dementia (DSD). Frailty pathways frequently incorporate cognitive assessment (81%) and delirium screening/assessment (75%), but only 57% incorporate delirium prevention.

CONCLUSION: Dementia and delirium pathways are more common and more integrated and inclusive of each other than frailty pathways. More unified approaches could maximize the value of staff time, reduce duplications, and avoid a siloed approach to the care of older people.

PMID:41389178 | DOI:10.1007/s41999-025-01375-w

J Cancer Educ. 2025 Dec 13. doi: 10.1007/s13187-025-02808-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Clinician-educator (CE) faculty are essential to the education of trainees in cancer care, yet at research-intensive institutions advancement pathways for education-focused faculty are often unclear. Describe CE perceptions of advancement and recognition of educational work and identify priorities for a CE promotion pathway at a large cancer center. Anonymous faculty survey (January 2023) with analyses restricted to clinical faculty who self-identified as CEs or were unsure of their CE status. Descriptive statistics were reported; exploratory Kruskal-Wallis tests compared responses by rank and years in rank. One open-ended item on barriers underwent inductive content analysis by two coders. IRB approved (2022 – 1006). Of 208 respondents, 142 were clinical faculty; 103 (72.5%) identified as CEs or were unsure of their CE status. Nearly half perceived no clear advancement path (49/103, 47.6%), while 27/103 (26.2%) perceived a clear path. Most reported educational effort was undervalued relative to research for academic recognition (72/103, 69.9%) and promotion impact (67/103, 64.7%). A majority agreed that establishing a CE pathway would aid advancement (60/103, 57.9%). Highest-priority elements were transparent promotion criteria (64/103, 62.1%), protected time for education (64/103, 62.1%), and tools to document and quantify educational effort (60/103, 58.3%). CE faculty at a research-intensive center perceived unclear advancement and lower recognition of educational work. Institutions seeking to strengthen cancer education should implement transparent CE-specific criteria, allocate protected education time, and adopt systems that document educational contributions.

PMID:41389177 | DOI:10.1007/s13187-025-02808-7

J Cancer Educ. 2025 Dec 13. doi: 10.1007/s13187-025-02797-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Guided by the Andersen Behavioral Model of Health Service Utilization, this study examined the impact of a structured educational intervention to improve uptake of cervical cancer preventive services (CCPS) among female students at Kenyatta University, Kenya. The study implemented a cluster randomized controlled trial allocating two Kenyatta University campuses (Kitui – intervention; Mombasa – control) to study arms. A total of 243 female students aged ≥ 18 years were recruited (Intervention = 121; Control = 122). The intervention comprised six bi-weekly, face-to-face health education sessions delivered over 12 weeks, combining didactic content, demonstrations and facilitated peer discussions. Data were collected from 1st January 2025 to 31st March 2025; at baseline and at 12 weeks post-intervention using structured researcher-administered questionnaires and self-reports triangulated with university clinic records. Analyses included descriptive statistics, χ2 tests for differences in proportions, difference-in-differences (DiD) estimation of the intervention effect, and multivariable logistic regression. All analyses were adjusted for clustering effect. At endline, uptake in the intervention arm was 44.2% while the control arm remained essentially unchanged (8.0%); the DiD estimate was + 39.4% (p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression including an interaction term for time × treatment produced an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for the intervention effect of 8.02 (95% CI: 2.01-12.65; p = 0.005). Awareness of service availability (aOR = 3.52) and community/peer support (aOR = 2.13) were independent predictors of CCPS uptake. A structured, repeated educational intervention programme delivered within the university context significantly increased uptake of CCPS. For sustained impact, such interventions should be linked to visible, accessible campus services and embedded in university health promotion structures.

PMID:41389176 | DOI:10.1007/s13187-025-02797-7

J Autism Dev Disord. 2025 Dec 13. doi: 10.1007/s10803-025-07172-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study investigated the interrelationships among sensory reactivity, repetitive behaviors, motor balance, and autism symptom severity in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The moderating roles of gender and pharmacological treatment were also examined.

METHODS: A sample of 125 children with ASD (mean age = 8.7 ± 2.9 years; 52% male) was assessed using the Parent-Rated Sensory Reactivity Scale (ESRS), Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R), Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Statistical analyses included group comparisons (t-tests, Mann-Whitney U, ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis), correlations, and multiple regression models.

RESULTS: Girls showed greater sensory reactivity and slightly better motor balance, whereas boys demonstrated more compulsive, restricted, and ritualistic behaviors. Children receiving medication tended to have higher sensory reactivity, lower balance performance, and greater autism severity compared to unmedicated peers. ADHD medications predicted elevated sensory and compulsive behaviors, while antipsychotics were associated with greater ritualistic patterns Regression analyses indicated that gender, medication use, and medication category together explained approximately 17% of the variance in autism severity. Correlation analyses suggested associations among sensory, behavioral, motor, and severity domains.

CONCLUSION: Findings suggest gender-specific symptom clustering and context-dependent effects of pharmacological treatment in ASD. Sensory, behavioral, motor, and severity domains are interdependent, underscoring the need for individualized, multimodal interventions that target sensory sensitivities, behavioral rigidity, and motor coordination to enhance adaptive functioning and overall quality of life in children with ASD through integrated approaches of life in children with ASD.

PMID:41389165 | DOI:10.1007/s10803-025-07172-5

Geroscience. 2025 Dec 13. doi: 10.1007/s11357-025-02043-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The genetics of human longevity has been primarily studied using classical methods developed in genome-wide association studies. With the recent advances in paleogenomics, it is now possible to investigate to what extent ancient population ancestries contribute to complex traits. In this study, we explored the role of ancient genetic components in human longevity by focusing on the Italian Peninsula, whose genetic heritage includes several past genetic ancestries that have contributed to the current European genetic make-up. We analyzed genome-wide data of 333 Italian centenarians and 690 geographically matched healthy controls, and compared their genetic composition to 103 ancient genomes representative of the main past European population ancestries. Our findings indicate that Italian centenarians have a higher genetic affinity with Western Hunter-Gatherer (WHG)-related ancestry compared to controls, according to PCA and f4-statistics. Logistic regression models based on supervised admixture revealed a significant association between higher WHG ancestry and the centenarian status. Additionally, residual-based predictive analysis showed that centenarians exhibit a significantly higher WHG contribution independent of the genetic structuring of the general Italian population. By painting the chromosomes of modern Italians, we also showed a significantly higher number of WHG alleles at pro-longevity SNPs. In the present study, we demonstrate the contribution of ancient genetic components to the longevity phenotype. In particular, we showed a greater contribution from Western Hunter-Gatherer-related ancestry to Italian centenarians, thus suggesting that this pre-Neolithic genetic component, which has been linked to population shifts occurring within Europe after the Last Glacial Maximum, could be beneficial for longevity today.

PMID:41389162 | DOI:10.1007/s11357-025-02043-4

Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2025 Dec 13;28(1):4. doi: 10.1007/s11920-025-01653-1.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To investigate the prevalence of self-reported diagnoses of ADHD among U.S. post-secondary students.

RECENT FINDINGS: We identified fifteen empirical studies published in academic journals between 2008 and 2023 that reported ADHD prevalence estimates. These studies had variability in samples and methods and produced a wide range of prevalence estimates-3.4% to 11.2%-and an overall prevalence estimate of 9.1%. We supplemented the academic literature with data from two multi-institutional, annual surveys-the Healthy Minds Study and National College Health Assessment (NCHA III/IIIb). Their prevalence estimates for the 2024-2025 academic year were 14% and 15%, respectively, which reflected significant increases from their 2019-2020 estimates of 4% and 8%. Estimates for the prevalence of ADHD diagnoses vary by data source and method. Multi-institutional, annual surveys suggest an increase in prevalence in recent years. These data might warrant the strengthening of ADHD services provided by campus clinics.

PMID:41389141 | DOI:10.1007/s11920-025-01653-1