Tag: nevin manimala

Sensors (Basel). 2025 Mar 5;25(5):1601. doi: 10.3390/s25051601.

ABSTRACT

Using mobile crowd sourcing/sensing (MCS) noise monitoring can lead to false sound level reporting. The methods used for recruiting mobile phones in an area of interest vary from selecting full populations to randomly selecting a single phone. Other methods apply a clustering algorithm based on spatial or noise parameters to recruit mobile phones to MCS platforms. However, statistical t tests have revealed dissimilarities between these selection methods. In this paper, we assign these dissimilarities to (1) acoustic characteristics and (2) outlier mobile phones affecting the noise level. We propose two clustering phases for noise level monitoring in MCS platforms. The approach starts by applying spatial clustering to form focused clusters and removing spatial outliers. Then, noise level clustering is applied to eliminate noise level outliers. This creates subsets of mobile phones that are used to calculate the noise level. We conducted a real-world experiment with 25 mobile phones and performed a statistical t test evaluation of the selection methodologies. The statistical values indicated dissimilarities. Then, we compared our proposed method with the noise level clustering method in terms of properly detecting and eliminating outliers. Our method offers 4% to 12% higher performance than the noise clustering method.

PMID:40096454 | DOI:10.3390/s25051601

J Bras Nefrol. 2025 Apr-Jun;47(2):e20240180. doi: 10.1590/2175-8239-JBN-2024-0180en.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Renal neoplasia is a complex and heterogeneous disease, characterized by high morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the temporal trend of hospitalization rates (HRs) for renal neoplasia in Brazil, segmented by region, states (UFs, Unidades da Federação in Portuguese), and population characteristics, from 2013 to 2023.

METHODS: Ecological study using data from the Hospital Information System, by analyzing Hospital Admission Authorizations, covering the period from 2013 to 2023. The annual trend of HRs was analyzed using generalized linear regression with the Prais-Winsten method by calculating the Annual Percentage Change (APC), considering sex, age, race/color, and region/state (UF). A significance level of 5% was adopted for the analyses.

RESULTS: A total of 31,388 hospitalizations for renal neoplasia were recorded in Brazil during the period, showing a significant upward trend in HRs (APC: 9.12; 95%CI: 5.30; 13.1; p < 0.001). The increase was observed in both sexes and in all regions. Among the states, most showed stationary trends. The highest average HRs were identified among young elderly individuals (3.31/100,000) and long-lived elderly individuals (2.51/100,000).

CONCLUSION: HRIs due to renal neoplasia in Brazil showed a significant upward trend between 2013 and 2023, with regional variations, a predominance in males, and a higher incidence in the over-60 age group.

PMID:40096414 | DOI:10.1590/2175-8239-JBN-2024-0180en

Sensors (Basel). 2025 Feb 28;25(5):1518. doi: 10.3390/s25051518.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively and prospectively explore associations between running biomechanics and hamstring strain injury (HSI) using field-based technology. Twenty-three amateur sprinters performed 40 m maximum-effort sprints and then underwent a one-year injury surveillance period. For the first 30 m of acceleration, sprint mechanics were quantified through force-velocity profiling. In the upright phase of the sprint, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) system measured sagittal plane pelvic and hip kinematics at the point of contact (POC), as well as step and stride time. Cross-sectional analysis revealed no differences between participants with a history of HSI and controls except for anterior pelvic tilt (increased pelvic tilt on the injured side compared to controls). Prospectively, two participants sustained HSIs in the surveillance period; thus, the small sample size limited formal statistical analysis. A review of cohort percentiles, however, revealed both participants scored in the higher percentiles for variables associated with a velocity-oriented profile. Overall, this study may be considered a feasibility trial of novel technology, and the preliminary findings present a case for further investigation. Several practical insights are offered to direct future research to ultimately inform HSI prevention strategies.

PMID:40096384 | DOI:10.3390/s25051518

Zhonghua Er Ke Za Zhi. 2025 Mar 17;63(4):411-417. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112140-20240930-00692. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To analyze a novel intronic variant in the SPTB gene and explore its effect on SPTB mRNA splicing. Methods: Clinical data of a child diagnosed with hereditary spherocytosis (HS) and admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University in February 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Whole genome sequencing was used to identify disease-causing mutations and the results were validated with Sanger sequencing, mRNA sequencing was used to determine the SPTB gene’s mRNA expression level, and bioinformatics tools were used for splicing site prediction and analysis. Results: The proband is a 2-month-old Han male child, clinically presenting with anemia and jaundice. In the past, jaundice appeared early and was severe during the neonatal period, with significantly elevated indirect bilirubin (203.5 μmol/L), accompanied by moderate anemia. This family consisted of four generations, eight of whom suffered from splenomegaly, jaundice, and anemia. In their peripheral blood, the percentage of microglobular erythrocytes was between 5% and 10%. Under scanning electron microscopy analysis of the proband’s father’s peripheral red blood cells, about 6% exhibited a mouth-shaped morphology, about 4% were spherical, and about 3% were oval. Following the splenectomy, the father’s anemia and jaundice recovered to normal level. Whole genome sequencing analysis of the proband identified a heterozygous variant in the SPTB gene (NM_ 001355436.2 (SPTB):c.6022+4_6022+18delinsTGGCTCCTCCGTGAAGGGACAGTCCTGC), which was verified to be co-segregating with the disease in this family line by Sanger sequencing. The results of the SPTB gene mRNA expression level detection showed that the expression levels of the SPTB variant gene were statistically increased in the proband and affected family members (father, grandmother, cousin, second cousin, great-grandmother, great-aunt) (all P<0.05). The SPTB gene’s intron can undergo selective splicing, as demonstrated by analysis using the bioinformatics program ESE Finder. Additionally, predictions from the SpliceAI and SpliceTool software indicated that activation of a new covert splicing donor can result in a code-shift mutation that introduces an early termination codon and nonsense-mediated degradation of the mRNA, which prevents the synthesis of proteins. Conclusion: A new mutation site c.6022+4_6022+18delinsTGGCTCCTCCGTGAAGGGACAGTCCTGC was found in SPTB gene. This mutation was the pathogenic factor of HS. By affecting the splicing process, this mutation triggers the nonsense mediated mRNA degradation pathway, resulting in inactivation of gene function.

PMID:40090920 | DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn112140-20240930-00692

J Forensic Sci. 2025 Mar 16. doi: 10.1111/1556-4029.70023. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Current processing techniques for harvesting DNA from osseous elements are destructive, and success rates vary widely. When skeletal elements are homogenized into a fine powder, endogenous DNA may be subjected to fragmentation, and the likelihood of introducing co-purified inhibitory substances to the sample increases. While a limited number of articles in the relevant literature have challenged the status quo of pulverization, powdering hard tissue samples before DNA isolation continues to be standard practice in the forensic and ancient DNA communities. In this work, we have developed and optimized an alternative front-end processing method for demineralizing and slicing cortical bone using aged and weathered bovine skeletal samples as a model for degraded human bone. Additionally, this study evaluated the enzymatic digestion of demineralized bone slices using collagenase I as a powder-free alternative for cell isolation. The efficacy of pulverization, demineralized slices, and collagenase-digested demineralized slices was assessed via DNA quantitation and STR profile data. The combined treatment incorporating collagenase digestion of demineralized slices did not improve the recovery of endogenous DNA yields or STR profile development; however, profiles developed from demineralized slices retained a significantly greater percentage of expected alleles and higher peak heights than samples processed with conventional powdering and organic chemistry extraction. By eliminating pulverization of bone and employing modified silica-based extraction chemistry, the susceptibility to inhibitory and competitive effects from native and foreign components often found in degraded skeletal remains can be minimized when utilizing total demineralization of small fragments with subsequent slicing before lysis.

PMID:40090872 | DOI:10.1111/1556-4029.70023

Aust Occup Ther J. 2025 Apr;72(2):e70002. doi: 10.1111/1440-1630.70002.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Occupational therapy is underpinned by the belief that occupation facilitates health and wellbeing. However, evidence suggests that occupational therapists encounter challenges to implementing occupation-centred practice. The aim of this study was to investigate the uptake, acceptability and impact of a workplace intervention designed to enhance occupation-centred practice of occupational therapists in an acute adult physical context.

METHODS: A concurrent mixed methods study using a pre-post design was employed. The setting was a regional and rural health service in Queensland. Data were collected using an online survey of occupational therapists’ knowledge, attitude and confidence regarding occupational therapy models, an audit of medical charts and focus group discussion and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were presented using descriptive statistics, and discussions were thematically analysed.

CONSUMER AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: No involvement.

RESULTS: Survey results revealed minimal difference between pre- (n = 8) and post- (n = 8) interventions. The medical chart audit (pre = 40, post = 28) revealed an increase in occupational language over medically based language. Four themes were identified from the qualitative data (pre = 5, post = 6): change in theoretical awareness and acceptance of occupational therapy models; facilitators for adoption of occupational therapy models in the acute setting; what it takes: the qualities and efforts required of individuals; and enhanced professional identity. The themes revealed that participants varied in their knowledge and implementation of occupation-centred practice pre-intervention and could feel constrained by the workplace context. Post-participants recognised that actively practising occupation centredness impacted positively on their practice.

CONCLUSION: Participation in an initiative to increase occupation-centred practice resulted in changed behaviours and beliefs for occupational therapists in this study. Participants recognised that their individual contribution and the concerted efforts of their occupational therapy peers led to increased professional identity and understanding of occupational therapy contribution in the acute adult physical setting.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Occupational therapists promote health and wellbeing by working with people of all abilities to participate in the everyday occupations of life. However, within some hospital settings, occupational therapists face a number of challenges to implementing their desired approach due to time restrictions and dominance of other professions. Because of this, consumers and health colleagues in hospitals are unclear on the role or value of occupational therapists, and occupational therapists feel misunderstood. This may impact on job satisfaction, retention of staff in this setting and missed opportunities for identifying needs for consumers. In a regional and rural setting, this may be further complicated by occupational therapists working in isolation from direct professional support. In this project, occupational therapists in a regional and rural health service participated in an activity aimed to enhance their communication and confidence in their unique approach. The activity involved developing and using tools and resources for a hospital context that were ‘occupation-centred’ or were based on ‘occupational therapy models’. Despite occupational therapists reporting that making this change required effort, they recognised that with persistence and collaboration, there was an improved understanding of occupational therapy contribution in the setting and better job satisfaction for occupational therapists. The tools and resources that were developed can be easily adopted by other organisations. These findings show that occupational therapists working in hospitals can alter their behaviours and beliefs to be more true to the profession. And that this benefits occupational therapists, consumers and the broader health-care team.

PMID:40090870 | DOI:10.1111/1440-1630.70002

J Forensic Sci. 2025 Mar 16. doi: 10.1111/1556-4029.70010. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Determining the extent to which sources of aluminum (Al) powders, often used as fuel in improvised explosive devices (IEDs), can be differentiated is important for forensic investigations and gathering intelligence. Previous work developed effective methods of characterizing Al powders using micromorphometric features of the Al particles and a multistage sampling approach. Since then, ~100 additional samples from Al powder sources representing five powder types used in IEDs and 33 product distributors have been added to the dataset. Using this large dataset, a study confirmed that 200 randomly selected fields of view (FOV) are needed to accurately characterize the powder. Three different statistical methods, each using a different method of summarizing the large volumes of data, are used: a modified Wasserstein distance score nearest neighbor classifier for the FOV means, an ASTM-style match interval for means of the FOV means, and a linear discriminant analysis for the means of means of means. Two of the methods classify each questioned subsample to an Al powder sample, whereas the ASTM-style method classifies questioned/known-source subsample pairs as matching or non-matching. All three classifiers show that Al powder sources can be discriminated, although samples of the same powder type or made of Al products from the same distributor are often confused. Analysis of Al powder samples from three casework IEDs shows they were likely made using Al powder from Al-containing paint products. These results are integral to closed-set classification of Al powders where the source of a questioned subsample is contained in the database.

PMID:40090868 | DOI:10.1111/1556-4029.70010

Ann Ital Chir. 2025;96(3):339-344. doi: 10.62713/aic.3339.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To study the effect of timing of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to prognosis of Non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients.

METHODS: 295 Patients were derived from our hospital who were diagnosed as NSTEMI and accepted PCI therapy in 24 hours from admission during March 2017 to May 2020. According to results of coronary angiography, patients with NSTEMI were divided into culprit artery occlusion (CO, n = 117) and non-culprit artery occlusion (N-CO, n = 178) two groups and then according to timing of PCI into three categories: <6 h, 6-12 h and 12-24 h from admission. We defined major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in 1 year follow.

RESULTS: In this study, with earlier time to PCI, the incidence of MACE was lower in NSTEMI patients with CO. The incidence of MACE was higher in the CO group than in the N-CO group (25.8% vs. 36.8%, p = 0.046). The incidence of MACE was 11.8% in T1 (<6 h) group (n = 50), less than 29.4% in T2 (6-12 h) group (n = 30) and 43.4% in T3 (12-24 h) group (n = 215), with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.044). However, this phenomenon does not occur in N-CO group. As the duration of PCI increased, patient survival decreased progressively over the course of follow-up in NSTEMI with CO (p = 0.048).

CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that early PCI improves the prognosis of NSTEMI patients with culprit artery occlusion.

PMID:40090853 | DOI:10.62713/aic.3339

Ann Ital Chir. 2025;96(3):391-399. doi: 10.62713/aic.3881.

ABSTRACT

AIM: This study aims to explore the factors impacting implant plaque re-formation after implant polishing surgery for peri-implantitis and to establish a predictive model using crucial factors, thereby providing an evidence-based reference for managing this condition.

METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed clinical data from 203 patients who underwent implant polishing and shaping procedures in Suzhou Stomatological Hospital between November 2018 and October 2023. Study subjects were divided into a training set (n = 142) and a validation set (n = 61) in a 7:3 ratio. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the risk factors associated with biofilm formation after implant polishing and shaping surgery. Incorporating significantly linked factors, a risk prediction model was developed. Furthermore, the predictive model was evaluated in the training and validation sets using the Hosmer-Lemeshow (H-L) goodness-of-fit test, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) to determine its discriminatory capability, goodness-of-fit, and predictive utility.

RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that calculus [Odds Ratio (OR) = 3.071, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.104-8.541, p = 0.032], difficult-to-clean implant location (OR = 5.807, 95% CI: 1.895-17.798, p = 0.002), external connection implant abutment (OR = 4.378, 95% CI: 1.440-13.308, p = 0.009), and implant diameter (OR = 4.511, 95% CI: 2.141-9.504, p < 0.001) were significant factors affecting biofilm formation after implant polishing and shaping surgery. A regression equation (predictive model) was constructed, incorporating the four crucial risk factors and regression coefficients. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the area under curve (AUC) of the predictive model was 0.9143 (95% CI: 0.8221-0.9782) in the training set and 0.8095 (95% CI: 0.7342-0.9051) in the validation set. Furthermore, the Hosmer-Lemeshow test indicated a good fit of the established model, with no statistically significant difference between predicted and observed values in both the training set (p = 0.399) and the validation set (p = 0.317). Additionally, DCA demonstrated that the predictive model provides a significant net benefit.

CONCLUSIONS: The predictive model developed using the key risk factors contributing to plaque formation after implant polishing exhibits strong predictive capability, which provides an evidence-based reference in preventing and managing postoperative plaque formation.

PMID:40090844 | DOI:10.62713/aic.3881

Ann Ital Chir. 2025;96(3):345-351. doi: 10.62713/aic.3916.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To investigate predictive value of the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) combined with the distal ureteral diameter ratio (UDR) for early breakthrough urinary tract infection (BT-UTI) in children with primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 150 VUR patients admitted to ShangHai Children’s Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023. Patients were divided into the early BT-UTI group (n = 52) and the non-earlyBT-UTI group (n = 98) based on whether early BT-UTI occurred. Univariate and binary logistics regression analyses were performed to identify factors influencing early BT-UTI in VUR children. Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between variables, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was employed to evaluate the predictive value of SII combined with UDR for early BT-UTI in VUR children.

RESULTS: Comparisons of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), neutrophils (NEU), lymphocytes (LYM), red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), comorbidities, length of hospital stay, and caregiver education level showed no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). Differences in reflux grade, UDR, SII, and platelets (PLT) between the groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). According to Pearson linear correlation analysis, SII was negatively correlated with LYM, and positively correlated with PLT and NEU (r = 0.366 and 0.839, respectively; p < 0.05). UDR was unrelated to NEU and LYM, and positively correlated with PLT (r = 0.280, p < 0.05), and SII was positively correlated with UDR (r = 0.162, p < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that UDR and SII were factors influencing early BT-UTI in VUR children (OR = 1.171 and 5.306, respectively; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.099-1.249 and 2.841-9.912, respectively; p < 0.05). The combined variables had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.832 with a standard error of 0.032 (95% CI: 0.768-0.895), Youden index = 0.53, sensitivity of 90.4%, and specificity of 62.2%. The combined index had an AUC closest to 1, indicating the highest predictive value.

CONCLUSIONS: UDR combined with SII boasts a high predictive value for early BT-UTI in VUR children.

PMID:40090838 | DOI:10.62713/aic.3916